The Incas In this lesson students will be

The Incas In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Andes Mountains Terrace Farming Cuzco Achievements of the Incas E. Napp

The Incas developed a vast civilization in the Andes Mountains. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

The Incas built terraces to farm on the mountains. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

The Incas built many roads to connect their vast empire. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

The Incas were adept builders. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

The Incas were skilled builders. Inca roads stand even today. E. Napp

Welfare • While all land belonged to the Incan emperor, he let other people farm the land 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. E. Napp

The Incas were very advanced. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

The Incas were conquered by Francisco Pizarro in the 1530 s. E. Napp

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? E. Napp