The Sapa Inca was the highest-ranking member of Inca society and was considered to be the direct descendant of the Sun God. He held absolute power and was responsible for all aspects of Inca life, including military, religious, and civil matters.
2. The Inca nobility:
They were the upper class of Inca society and included the Sapa Inca's family, as well as high-ranking government officials, military leaders, and priests. The nobility enjoyed many privileges, including access to the best land and resources, as well as the right to wear elaborate clothing and jewelry.
3. The commoners:
They made up the majority of Inca society and included farmers, artisans, and merchants. The commoners were responsible for providing food, goods, and services to the Inca state. They also had to perform mandatory labor service, known as mita, for the state.
4. The yanaconas:
They were a special class of servants or personal assistants who were given to the Inca nobility as a reward for loyalty or service. The yanaconas were not free and were required to work without pay for their masters.
5. The mitimaes:
They were groups of people who were forcibly relocated from one part of the Inca Empire to another. This was often done to maintain control over conquered territories, to spread Inca culture and language, or to exploit natural resources.
6. The war captives:
They were individuals who were captured during Inca military campaigns and were brought back to Cusco, the Inca capital, to serve as laborers or to be sacrificed in religious ceremonies.