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402 History

Incas

The Inca people lived in the Andes

mountains of Peru. Between the 12th

century and 1531 they conquered

an empire that stretched for 3,600

kilometres (2,240 miles) from Colombia

to Chile. The Inca empire collapsed

after the Spanish invaded in 1531.

Chimu

goldsmiths from

the northern

part of the

empire created

this mask

The mask

would be

placed over the

face of a dead

nobleman as a

funeral ritual

Beaten gold

was a sacred

metal to the

Incas

1 GOLD MASK

Craftsmen had privileged status in Inca society.

Metalworkers from various parts of the empire made

masks of shining gold. It was greed for such gold and

treasure that lured Spanish invaders to Peru in 1531.

A big square

at the centre of

the town was

for religious

ceremonies

The town is 2,743

metres (9,000 ft)

above sea level

Inca walls

were strong and

earthquake-proof

WHO WAS DESCENDED FROM THE SUN AND MOON?

The Inca emperor claimed descent from Inti, the Sun

god, and the empress from Mamakilya, the Moon

goddess. Other gods and goddesses represented the sea,

thunder, and the goodness of the Earth. The Incas also

revered the holy places used by earlier Andean peoples.

HOW DID INCA SOCIETY FUNCTION?

Nobles who were loyal to the Sapa Inca (emperor)

were made governors, generals, or priests. They wore

golden earplugs as a badge of rank. Most citizens

were poor farmers, but they also had to serve

the state as soldiers, builders, or labourers.

WHO RULED THE INCA EMPIRE?

The Incas formed a ruling elite. They were a small

highland tribe who came to govern 12 million people,

speakers of 20 different languages. Conquered chiefs

were allowed to keep some local power, provided they

adopted the Inca way of life.

4 MACHU PICCHU

The Inca town of Machu Picchu was built on a remote mountain ridge

in about 1450. Its buildings included a palace, housing, temples, army

barracks, and craft workshops. The town was abandoned after the

Spanish invaded and only rediscovered in 1911.

FIND OUT MORE. Ancient Religions 282 • Conquistadors 405

Incas