Who were the Incas? - History and legacy

The Inca civilization is one of the most fascinating cultures in the history of South America. Emerging in the Andes region more than 600 years ago, the Incas created a vast empire stretching 2,500 miles, from Colombia to Chile . Their ability to build impressive cities, roads, and agricultural systems, their mastery of metallurgy, and their cultural legacy remain a source of admiration and study today.

The Rise of the Incas

The exact origins of the Inca civilization are a mystery in themselves. Historical records are scarce and much of the history of the Incas was passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. However, archaeological investigations and chronicles written during the time of the Spanish conquest shed light on the early days of the Incas.

The Inca civilization is believed to have originated in the Cuzco region of present-day Peru. Cuzco , meaning "navel of the world" in Quechua, was considered the capital of the Inca Empire. According to Inca mythology, its founder was Manco Cápac , who, according to legend, emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca with his sister and wife Mama Ocllo to establish the first royal Inca dynasty.

As the Incas expanded from Cuzco, they encountered various cultures and civilizations in the Andes region, including the Chancas and the Quechuas. Through war and diplomacy, the Incas managed to unify these groups into a single empire. This expansion is mainly attributed to the ninth Inca ruler, Pachacutec.

Inca Society: Hierarchy and Organization

Inca society was highly hierarchical and organized around the emperor, known as the Sapa Inca, who was considered a divine figure. Under the Sapa Inca, there was a nobility made up of the governors of different regions, as well as high-ranking officials and priests.

The common population, known as the "hatunrunas", was in charge of agriculture and construction. The Incas were skilled farmers who developed advanced terrace farming techniques on the steep slopes of the Andes. They also created a complex system of roads, known as the Inca Trail, that connected the various regions of the empire.

The organization of Inca society was based on a compulsory work system called "mita". Each individual had to work on communal projects for a certain period, which guaranteed the functioning of the economy and the construction of public works. In exchange, the government provided food, clothing, and shelter.

The Inca Religion: Worship of the Andean Gods

Religion played a central role in the life of the Incas. They worshiped a wide variety of gods and spirits, many of which were related to nature and the elements. One of the most important gods was Inti, the sun god, whose worship was essential for the survival of crops.

The Incas also believed in the existence of Apus, spirits of the mountains, who were venerated and to whom offerings were made. Religious rituals were carried out in sacred places such as the Coricancha temple in Cusco, which was covered in gold sheets and was considered one of the richest buildings in the empire.

A unique aspect of Inca religion was the belief in ancestor worship. The Incas worshiped their ancestors and kept them alive in their memory through mummies, which were venerated and cared for in their homes.

Inca Architecture: Wonders of Engineering

Inca architecture is famous for its advanced engineering and its ability to build impressive monuments in some of the most inhospitable areas of the Andes. Some of the most notable examples of Inca architecture include:

Macchu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the best-known archaeological treasures in the world. This citadel is located on top of a mountain in the Peruvian Andes and was built in the 15th century. Machu Picchu is made up of impressive stone structures, agricultural terraces and a system of water canals. Although its exact purpose remains a mystery, it is believed to have been a retreat for the Inca elite.

Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuamán is a fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco. Its huge stone blocks fit together perfectly without the use of mortar. This site had a military and ceremonial purpose and was used in important festivities.

Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is an Inca citadel that served as a ceremonial and agricultural center. Its stepped terraces and impressive stone structures demonstrate the Incas' ability to adapt to the mountainous terrain.

Tambomachay
Tambomachay is a complex of temples and water channels that demonstrate the skill of the Incas in hydraulic engineering. It is believed that it was a place of purification and worship of water.

Inca architecture is a testament to their ability to work stone and adapt to difficult environments, and remains a mystery in terms of how they accomplished such feats without metal tools.

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Incas

The history of the Incas is notable not only for its greatness, but also for its mysterious disappearance. In 1532, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrived in the Inca empire, marking the beginning of the end of this civilization.

The Incas fought bravely against the Spanish conquistadors, but technological superiority and exposure to European diseases led to a drastic decline in the Inca population. Finally, in 1572, the last Inca emperor, Túpac Amaru, was executed by the Spanish, officially ending the Inca empire.

The Spanish conquest had a devastating impact on Inca culture. Much of its rich heritage was destroyed, including valuable texts and iconography. However, some aspects of Inca culture survived, especially in the rural areas of the Andes, where Inca traditions and customs are still alive.

The Legacy of the Incas

Despite their disappearance as an empire, the legacy of the Incas lives on today. Its architecture, road system and agricultural techniques have proven durable and continue to be admired and studied around the world. Inca culture has also influenced modern Andean traditions, including the Quechua language, which is still spoken in some regions of South America.

The mysterious disappearance of the Incas and the destruction of much of their written history has left numerous enigmas unsolved. For example, the exact location of the tomb of the last Inca emperor, Túpac Amaru, is still unknown, which has led to many theories and expeditions in search of his tomb and possible treasures.

Although its history ended tragically with the Spanish conquest, its legacy lives on in the traditions and architecture of the Andes region. The Inca civilization is a reminder of the human ability to thrive in challenging environments and create a flourishing society in harmony with nature.