6 facts about Inca Civilization

The Inca civilization was a South American civilization that flourished in the Andean region from the 12th to the 16th century. It was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America and was centered in modern-day Peru. Here are some facts about the Inca civilization:

1. The Inca empire was founded by the Sapa Inca, who united several smaller cultures and tribes under his rule. The most famous of these rulers was Pachacuti, who reigned from 1438 to 1471 and is credited with turning the Inca empire into a powerful and centralized state.
2. The Inca built a vast network of roads, called the Qhapaq Ñan, which stretched across the empire and allowed them to easily move troops, trade goods, and communicate with the far-flung corners of their realm.
3. The Inca were skilled farmers and developed a system of terracing to make the most of the mountainous terrain in which they lived. They also practiced advanced irrigation techniques, which allowed them to grow a wide variety of crops, including maize, quinoa, potatoes, and beans.
4. The Inca were skilled craftsmen and produced a wide range of metal goods, including jewelry, tools, and weapons. They also made textiles and pottery, and were known for their skilled stonemasonry, which is evident in the many impressive buildings and structures they constructed, such as the Temple of the Sun in Cusco and the Inca Citadel at Machu Picchu.
5. The Inca believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and worshipped their ancestors. They also believed in reincarnation and that the Sapa Inca was the son of the sun god Inti.
6. The Inca empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century, led by Francisco Pizarro. The conquest brought an end to the Inca civilization, but many of the traditions and cultural practices of the Inca continue to influence modern-day Peru and other Andean countries.