Social Classes
Who was in charge of the Inca civilization?
Sapa Inca (emperor)
What were the family groups called that the people were organized into?
Ayllus
Many gods
To keep their food from spoiling, what did they do so they could store it and eat it throughout the year?
Freeze dry method
Dehydrate their food
What kind of houses did the Incas live in?
1-2 room houses made of mud and adobe with little to no furniture
Who was at the bottom of the Inca social class?
Commoners (Farmers)
What was the mit'a tax? What did the commoners have to do?
Labor tax
Build bridges and roads
Inti, the sun god
What did the Incas use to water their crops?
Irrigation systems (aqueducts)
Cuzco
Who ruled the 4 regions or parts of the civilization?
Governors
Who ran messages for the government?
Chasqui
What did the Incas leave for the dead so they could use them in the afterlife?
Gifts
What was the Inca's main method of farming?
Terrace farming
Why were llamas and alpacas important? (Give at least 2 ways)
1. Wool for blankets and clothes
2. Carry food and supplies
3. Spirit animal
Why were artisans more respected than farmers in the commoners social class?
The artisans made pottery, jewelry, and other things that the nobles, emperor, and officials wanted
The government let conquered tribes rule themselves if they did what the Sapa Inca said. What was the leaders called?
Curacas
What did the Incas do to worship their gods?
They had festivals.
They built temples.
What were the two main crops of the Inca? What did they call them?
Maize and potatoes
Sara and papa
What did the Incas use to record their events?
Quipus
Under the Sapa Inca, who was 2nd most important?
Villac Umu (High Priest)
Why did the government build roads and bridges?
1. To communicate with other tribes
2. To get food and supplies to places
Why did the Inca mummify important people? (Give at least 2 reasons)
1. They would visit the mummies for advice and worship them.
2. They would parade them through the streets.
3. They believed there was an afterlife.
What fraction of the crops did the farmers get to keep? Where did the rest go?
Farmers kept 1/3 of their crops.
1/3 went to the government.
1/3 went to the priests.
How did the Incas persuade other tribes to join the Inca Empire? (Name at least 2 ways)
1. Offered protection
2. Allowed their children to go to school
3. Gave them food