Location
Andes Mountains of South America
Time Period
1400s – 1533 CE
Capital City
Cusco – center of government and religion
Famous Site
Machu Picchu – royal retreat and religious site
Political Structure
Centralized empire ruled by the Sapa Inca (emperor)
Administration
Divided into provinces with governors reporting to the emperor
Social Classes
Sapa Inca, nobles and priests, commoners, slaves
Religion
Polytheistic – Inti (sun), Viracocha (creator), Pachamama (earth)
Sacrifices
Capacocha – ceremonial sacrifice of children for the gods
Farming
Terrace farming
Decline
Conquered by Francisco Pizarro