Inca Civilization
Written by Viator, November 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience
Beginning in around 1200 AD as a tribe from Cusco, this well-organized, sophisticated civilization was at its height from the 1430s, when the Andean empire expanded under the ruler Patchacuti.
The Spanish conquistadors reached the Inca lands in 1526, and took advantage of Inca infighting to capture and eventually execute their leader Atahualpa in 1533. Spanish conqueror Pizarro took Cusco in 1533 and Inca resistance was brought to an end in 1572, when the last Inca ruler was captured.
Today, indigenous descendants such as the Quecha and Aymara preserve the cultural traditions of the Inca, particularly in their pottery and alpaca textiles featuring the motifs of birds, waves, geometric patterns and animals.
The most obvious evidence of Inca civilization is the empire’s iconic sturdy stone architecture dotting the countryside. Temples and mountaintop citadels built of colossal stones, precisely cut and joined without mortar, were painted in bright colors, and featured prodigious amounts of gold and silver, melted down by the Spanish.
The most famous spots for viewing Inca architecture are Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo. The terraced hills of the Andes also date back to the Inca, proving to be a useful way of extending arable land in a mountain environment.
The Incas did not have the wheel or a written language but they developed an extensive network of roads for travel on foot with llamas, crossing the Cordillera from north to south.
Festivals and sacrifices were a feature of the Inca religion, with the king being seen as a descendant of the sun god Inti.
Features of Inca cuisine you can still taste today include the herb amaranth, the grain-like crop quinoa, maize, meat from guinea pigs and llamas, potatoes, sweet potatoes and chilies.
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Great experience! The trip started with a hotel pick up in the morning, transportation to Machu Picchu, English speaking guide, and transportation back to our hotel in the evening. Our guide Victor was the best guide we’ve ever had. We asked him a lot of questions and he always answered in details and with a smile.
I do recommend this trip.
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Cusco Markets and Ruins Small Group Tour
The trip was excellent. I had my own private tour guide and we visited the market and ruins as planned. It was very informational and worth the money.
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo Full-Day Tour from Cusco
Great tour
Well organised and with plenty to suit all
Recommended
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