Inca are credited with domesticating potatoes from wild Solanum species. The potato was a staple food of the Inca Empire and was cultivated in a wide variety of climates and altitudes. Potatoes were also used to make a fermented drink called chicha.
Maize
Maize, or corn, was another important crop of the Inca Empire. It was used to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes. Maize was also used as a form of currency and was often used to pay tribute to the Inca emperor.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a grain that was cultivated by the Inca. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Quinoa is now a popular food around the world and is often used in salads, soups, and stews.
Alpaca and Llama
Alpaca and llama are camelids that were domesticated by the Inca. They were used as beasts of burden and were also a source of food. Alpaca and llama wool was also used to make clothing, blankets, and other textiles.
Inca Roads
The Inca built an extensive network of roads throughout their empire. These roads allowed for the efficient movement of people and goods. The Inca roads also served as a means of communication and helped to unify the empire.
Inca Architecture
The Inca were skilled builders and their architecture is still admired today. Inca buildings were made of stone and were often decorated with intricate carvings. The most famous Inca building is Machu Picchu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inca Textiles
The Inca were also skilled weavers and their textiles were highly prized. Inca textiles were often decorated with intricate designs and were used to make clothing, blankets, and other household items.
Inca Art
The Inca were also skilled artists and their art is still admired today. Inca art was often inspired by nature and was used to decorate buildings, pottery, and other objects.
Inca Music
The Inca had a rich musical tradition and their music was used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings. Inca music was often performed on instruments such as the pan flute, the drum, and the trumpet.
Inca Religion
The Inca had a polytheistic religion and they believed in a creator god named Viracocha. The Inca also believed in a number of other gods and goddesses, including the sun god Inti, the moon goddess Mama Killa, and the earth goddess Pachamama.
Inca Calendar
The Inca developed a complex calendar system that was based on the movement of the sun and the moon. The Inca calendar was used to track the seasons and to plan agricultural activities.
Inca Government
The Inca Empire was ruled by a hereditary emperor known as the Sapa Inca. The Sapa Inca was considered to be a divine ruler and he was assisted by a council of nobles. The Inca Empire was also divided into provinces, each of which was ruled by a governor appointed by the Sapa Inca.
The Inca Empire was a complex and sophisticated society that made a significant contribution to world civilization. The Inca legacy is still visible today in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, and the art we admire.