Ancient Civilizations And Their Locations Questions Long
The Inca Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyu, was a vast and highly organized civilization that existed in the Andean region of South America from the 13th to the 16th century. The social structure and governance of the Inca empire were characterized by a centralized political system, a hierarchical social order, and a complex administrative apparatus.
At the top of the social structure was the Sapa Inca, who was considered the divine ruler and the son of Inti, the sun god. The Sapa Inca held absolute power and was believed to be the intermediary between the gods and the people. His authority was unquestioned, and his decisions were considered final. The Sapa Inca was also the supreme religious leader and performed important rituals and ceremonies.
Below the Sapa Inca were the nobles, known as the Hatun Runa. They were the ruling elite and held significant political and administrative positions. The nobles were responsible for governing the empire's provinces, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. They were also granted large estates and had access to the best resources and privileges.
Beneath the nobles were the curacas, who were local leaders appointed by the Inca government to oversee specific regions or communities. The curacas were responsible for enforcing laws, collecting tribute, and reporting to the higher authorities. They were often chosen from the local aristocracy and were expected to maintain loyalty to the Inca empire.
The majority of the population consisted of the common people, known as the Runa. They were the farmers, artisans, and laborers who worked the land and provided goods and services to the empire. The Runa were organized into ayllus, which were extended family groups that lived and worked together. Each ayllu had its own land and resources, and they were responsible for meeting their production quotas and contributing to the empire's economy.
The Inca empire had a highly centralized governance system, with the capital city of Cusco serving as the political and administrative center. The empire was divided into four administrative regions, each governed by a governor appointed by the Sapa Inca. These governors were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the implementation of policies.
To ensure efficient governance, the Inca empire developed an elaborate system of record-keeping and communication. The quipu, a system of knotted strings, was used to record numerical and statistical information. Runners, known as chasquis, were employed to carry messages and information across the vast empire, using a relay system.
Overall, the social structure and governance of the Inca empire were characterized by a highly centralized political system, a strict hierarchy, and a complex administrative apparatus. The Sapa Inca held absolute power, while the nobles, curacas, and common people played specific roles in the empire's governance and economy. This system allowed the Inca empire to maintain control over its vast territories and ensure the smooth functioning of its society.