The Incas

1
The Incas

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Andes Mountains
• Terrace Farming
• Cuzco
• Achievements of the Incas

2
The Incas developed a vast civilization in
the Andes Mountains.
3
The Incas

• The Incas developed a civilization in a valley of
  the Andes Mountains around 1100 A.D.
• The Incas built their capital, Cuzco, high in the
  Andes Mountains
• At its height, the empire stretched 2,500 miles.

4
The Incas built terraces to farm on the mountains.
5
Terrace Farming

• Because they lived in the mountains, the Incas
  engaged in terrace farming.
• The Incas built wide step-like terraces.
• At its height, more than 12 million people lived
  in the Incan empire.

6
The Incas built many roads to connect their vast
empire.
7
Roads

• To connect their vast empire, the Incas built
  many roads.
• One Inca road was 2,500 miles long.
• The Incas also built rope bridges to connect
  their empire.

8
The Incas were adept builders.
9
Buildings

• The Incas built beautiful cities.
• The Incas cut stone blocks so that they fit
  tightly together without anything holding them
  together.
• Machu Picchu, a fortress city of the Incas, still
  stands.

10
The Incas were skilled builders. Inca roads
stand even today.
11
Welfare

• While all land belonged to the Incan emperor, he
  let other people farm the land and pay taxes to
  him.
• The government also took care of the sick, the
  elderly, and the orphan.
• The government provided for the less fortunate
  members of society.

12
The Incas were very advanced.
13
Achievements

• The Incas invented the crowbar.
• The Incas developed the quipu, a knotted rope for
  communication.
• The Incas built buildings without mortar.
• The Incas provided for all members of the empire.

14
The Incas were conquered by Francisco Pizarro in
the 1530s.
15
Questions for Reflection

• Where did the Incas build a vast empire?
• How did the Incas feed a vast population on the
  mountains?
• List three achievements of the Incas.
• What did the Incas create to increase
  communication within the empire?
• What did the Incas do that surprises people even
  today?