...tools, both flooded with information good and bad, and available to any researcher anywhere in the world. In my search for information on Inca architecture, even some of the smallest changes to how I searched made a big difference in the quality of information in my results. My first test was a basic search on Google's homepage for “Inca Architecture”. As one might expect, the number one result for my query was wikipedia. A site that is extremely useful to the everyday person, but somewhat controversial when being utilized for school research. Following wikipedia seemed to be a number of homemade websites with brief descriptions of Inca architecture containing somewhat sketchy citations, if any. There were about 4 or 5 of these sites and they all seemed to be somewhat novice summaries of books about the Incas. I then changed the “c” in Inca to a “k” to see if that would improve my results at all. Doing so only seemed to alter a few of the results on the first page of google, which were now pointing to photo galleries of Inka architecture. Disappointed in my results, I then headed over to Google scholar to try my luck. I searched “Inca Architecture” and was again disappointed when I saw a bunch of weird results that said [CITATION] next to them and no apparent links to anywhere. Beneath those results were a couple of articles titled “INCA: an agent-based network control architecture” which seemed to be about some sort of complicated computer system and completely unrelated to...
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...Machu Picchu is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement—a citadel of cut stone fit together without mortar so tightly that its cracks still can’t be penetrated by a knife blade. The complex of palaces and plazas, temples and homes may have been built as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for ruling elites—its dramatic location is certainly well suited for any of those purposes. The ruins lie on a high ridge, surrounded on three sides by the windy, turbulent Urubamba River some 2,000 feet (610 meters) below. Scholars are still striving to uncover clues to the mysteries hidden here high in the eastern slopes of the Andes, covered with tropical forests of the upper Amazon Basin. Machu Picchu appears to lie at the center of a network of related sites and trails—and many landmarks both man-made and mountainous appear to align with astronomical events like the solstice sunset. The Inca had no written language, so they left no record of why they built the site or how they used it before it was abandoned in the early 16th century. Landscape engineering skills are in strong evidence at Machu Picchu. The site’s buildings, walls, terraces, and ramps reclaim the steep mountainous terrain and make the city blend naturally into the rock escarpments on which it is situated. The 700-plus terraces preserved soil, promoted agriculture, and served as part of an extensive water-distribution system that conserved water and limited...
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...Geography and the Development and Diffusion of Human Societies The Andes Mountains and the Inca Empire The Andean Civilization known as the Inca Empire existed from the years 1471-1532 in the South American Andes mountain range (Soomo, 2013). A major geographical feature contributing to the growth of the Inca Empire was the mountainous nature of the area surrounding the location of the original tribe. This tribe was located on a plateau about 11,000 feet high, close to what would become the capital city of Cuzco (Hughes, 2002). Local communities had already begun the process of terracing the mountainsides for the purpose of agriculture, but the new Inca Empire expanded and perfected the practice allowing for rapid development. The capital city of Cuzco was laid out in a pattern resembling a puma, with intricate patterns of roads and water channels built of stone (Hughes, 2002). Terraces surrounding the city were built into the mountainside with the same attention to detail, allowing the community to grow food in an inhospitable environment. Archeological evidence has shown that the primary crops were maize and potatoes, with around 200 varieties of potatoes being cultivated at different elevations (A. Smith, 2011). The ability to grow food at these elevations by adapting and changing the geographical challenges they were presented with, allowed the Incas to flourish and expand. The Inca Empire spread rapidly, both through population growth aided by an adequate food supply, and by...
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...* The Inca labor draft was base on a communal effort and progress of the community, rather than any monetary value and plan * The Spanish had a similar plan for the country, but changed the original plan to something that was nor the originial Inca plan, which caused problems for spain later down the road * The Incas had paid tribute before, but never at the level at which the Spanish wanted them to be organized and developed * Pizarro made the tributes a very important form of government intake that became crucial to the community * However, the tribute system were not effective in the way that the Spanish wanted them to be, and only the Spanish actually paid for their tributes responsively and actively * The ecomienda was an important way of receiving labor in a cheap way, and a way to receive labor from the majority of its citizens at cheap prices * The Corregidor, who was supposed to be more favorable to the native Amerians, instead was a tactic by the Spanish to receive more money in tribute, due to the larger amount of Native Americans which were paying the tributes all of a sudden * The Mita increased the amount of workers in the system, but had a strange effect on the economy and the community, as many of the workers did not return home from work a larger amount of time, reducing the population of the surrounding areas * However, the Mita system was rather effective in delivering the tribute and labor for the government in crucial times ...
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...The literary composure of the section of Invaders when the Spaniards prepare for what they assume to be their last battle, against the Incas who significantly outnumber them. Pizarro interjects the soldier’s conversation and displays his inner hubris by stating, “Have they ever felt steel” (656)? This quote relates to the weapons that the Spanish have brandished since the dawn of metal working and their superiority to the Incas primitive equipment. Pizarro’s rhetorical question, If the Incans have ever “felt steel” conveys a gruesome image of steel piercing through flesh and further enforces the fact that superior technology will give the edge on the battlefield against the Incans. Pizarro goes on to say, “When you fired the harquebus on the...
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...Incas created a government of laws. Incas first emperor is Pachacuti. Pachacuti expanded the cult of ancestor worship to rise his power. The Incas called their empire Tahuantinsuyu, and their empire was from South America to Santiago. Their empire was the largest in the world at the time. The Incas controlled over one hundred million people. The empire reached its southernmost extent in central Chile. The next emperor in line is Capac Yupanqui and he was the most influential ruler. The Spanish installed Manco Inca Yupanqui as a puppet king. The fourth in line is Mayta Capac, that’s when the Inca began their land holdings. Viracocha Inca was the eighth emperor in line. Dead emperors maintained a living presence. Incas achieved many goals. Manco Capac led the tribe to settle in Cuzco, and Capac is the one who found Cusco. Viracocha and Capac began permanent conquest at that...
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...Not until a July afternoon in 1911 has the Inca city of Machu Picchu been touched since the end of Inca civilization. The city contains ruined homes with walls of “white granite ashlars”. Travel through the vast forests of Peru to find out this mysterious city! You will want to visit the city of Machu Picchu because of its architecture , it is a world renowned archaeological site, and the city is an important cultural site in Latin America. One reason you should visit the city of Machu Picchu is because of its architecture. When Hiram Bingham entered Machu Picchu, the explorer “gaped” in his amazement at a huge alter carved from the mountainside - the intihuatana, or “hitching post of the sun”. He was flabbergasted at the sight of such an enormous alter. Continuing forth, Hiram Bingham marveled at the “El Torreon” - a semicircle tower. A pair of three-sided temples with triple windows held him in immense excitement. The architecture of Machu Picchu makes it a site worth the travel. About 200 elegantly detailed structures remain in this mysterious city of the Inca Empire. In Europe, the attractions are busy, or even overcrowded, and expensive. The silent...
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...In the Mayan Civilization there were many rulers that made significant contributions. However, there is one ruler that stands out: K'inich Janaab' Pakal. K'inich Janaab' Pakal is also known Pacal the Great or just Pacal (Schele 23). He was born in March of 603 CE under his father, K'an Mo' Hix, and his mother, Sak K'uk'. The three lived in Palenque, a small Mayan city that was rather weak during the time before K'inich Janaab' Pakal’s rule. The city is located in current day Chiapas, Mexico. (Aloysius 20). During 611 CE, the current king died, and K'inich Janaab' Pakal was supposed to be the next heir of the throne. However, it was decided that he was too young to rule. During the year following his death, other people took the throne, albeit most of them died soon after they started. This caused a great weakening of the city and the allowance of foreign people to attack the city. However, K'an Mo' Hix was able to serve as queen from 612 -615 CE, stabilizing the city once again. Finally, K'inich Janaab' Pakal turned twelve years old in 615 CE and took the throne (Aloysius 21). As king, he made significant contributions that expanded and improved the city of Palenque. In 626 CE, K'inich Janaab' Pakal became married to Ix Tz'akbu Ajaw and the two gave birth to a son, K'inich Kan Bahlam II, who would succeed his father on the throne. K'inich Janaab' Pakal ruled as king until his death in August of 683 (Aloysius 23). Physically speaking, he was very representative of Mayan beauty...
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...The Incan civilization function as a highly independent, multi-ethnic empire. They developed great farming techniques and storage that was able to efficiently provide food to their huge empire even through droughts. For instance, they created a farming ground that consisted of three huge impressions that was supported by different layers of rocks that kept the soil cool and well furnished. The Inca did not use money, so instead they relied of exchange like food for protection which benefited both the people and the estate. Cuzco served as their capital city and created a huge road system that connected all their city-states together. However, the Inca’s was ruled by one ruler who was known as the unique lord. He was the military leader, political...
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...Pyramids in Peru The pyramids in Peru were thought to be between 4,400-4,600 years old and some people say it is the oldest city in the Americas. The pyramids of Peru are 1 of 6 civilizations with pyramids. Even the civilization that supposedly built them lacked ceramics, writing and apparently had almost no art, yet they somehow build these amazing pyramids. Caral complex didn't build the original pyramids made out of many layered rocks. This civilization built these pyramids and buried them and left them for somebody to find without knowing what they meant. For example, the mysterious mounds that litter the Ohio valley are attributed to local Natives but the Indians themselves saying they never built the mounds and that a lost race had built...
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...The Incas originate in South America, specifically Southeastern Peru. the Inca civilization began in ancient Peru between C. 1400 and 1533 CE, and their empire eventually extended across western South America from Quito in the north to Santiago in the south. They had a great agriculture, with amazing drawings and etc. As with other ancient Americas cultures, the historical origins of the Incas are difficult to free themselves from the founding myths they themselves created. The rise of the Inca empire was spectacularly quick. Inca rule was, much like their architecture, based on interlocking units. Ten kindred groups of nobles also known as Panaqa, were at the top with the ruler. The Inca capital of Cuzco was the religious and administrative...
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...I choose to look up Machu Pichu on Google Earth. The elevation is at about 8000 ft, although it is hard to give an accurate number to the foot, because Machu Pichu is on the hillside of a mountain. The first thing you notice when looking at Machu Pichu ion google earth is that it is on an insanely steep hillside. It is at the very top of a hill, and there are two valleys on either side, one has a lake in it and the other seems to have a stream or river running through it. This site is supposed to be more religious and not an hugely populated city like Cusco is, but you can tell why this location might have been picked. It is easily defendable due to its placement on higher ground and has sources of water on either side. It looks like it has quite a good potential for agriculture that can grow at very high elevations. The area around Machu Pichu looks very lush and green and there seem to be some fields there already. Obviously there might be problems with getting their water sources up to that elevation, since it is so much higher than moth the lake and the river. Machu Pichu looks to be a very isolated location, there is almost nothing to be seen in the mountains around it that look like civilization. There is one long, steep road that razorbacks up the hill to get to Machu Pichu, but it would be a very long and tedious ride to get there using a car, so I can only imagine what it would have been like for travelers to reach the area when they had to travel by foot. This...
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...certain cultures worlds were created and what they need to continue to believe so that nothing changes with the cycles of how they live. The creators of the myths that are with the different cultures have Gods that they praise and believe in so that they have what they need and if they would not worship the creators there would be problems the people would have to face. Inca Creation Pachacamac was the brightest creator that the Incans worship and follow. Pachacamac is the sun and he was the brightest in the sky that no one could see anything else. The night skies were very dark so he created the stars, plants and the moon, which the moon was Pachamama and she became his wife. Pachacamac and Pachamama created a son and daughter which were created out of pity to help the people. The son helped teach the people how to plow and plant the fields and how to build houses. The daughter taught the women the art of weaving and how to prepare food. The children spoke highly of Pachacamac and the rules, along with be fair and kind to one another and to not forget their creator. With everything they were taught all Inca cities were divided into northern and southern halves, representing the male and female forces (The Big Myth, 2011). Zulu Creation There was a lot of darkness and just a seed which the large seed turned into a man which was named Unkulunkulu; he was the first man and creator of all things. There were other men and women growing from other seeds as Unkulunkulu walked...
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...American Empires assignment 15.1 1. The Spanish viceroy would have requested a history of the Aztecs to have a better understanding of the people him and his soldiers would be interacting with. 2. The purpose founding myths is to give the origin of that society, and to give a reason behind why the place exsisted. 15.2 1. Like the Aztecs some societies practiced the cannibalism and human sacrifice for religion, believing that their gods needed the human blood to survive and continue to be pleased with the people of their land. After the heart and blood was sacrificed they saw the body as holy so to them it is understandable why they would want to eat the left over body. But other societies practiced it because it was a source of food, or because when a tribe won a war against another they would eat the flesh of a powerful warrior (of the opposing tribe) thinking that they would gain the skills of the dead warrior. 2. The fact that the source comes from after the Spanish conquest does not particularly change how I approach it mainly because there is other proof of their sacrifices other than the Spanish reports. 3. A way you can tell that the person who drew the picture had never been the Americas is because the Aztecs did not have buildings that had characteristics of roman buildings! 15.3 1. One technological achievement is they had to have drainage systems for high altitude and it being in the mountains they were bound to get some wet weather! Also since it...
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...providing as many facts, details, and examples as possible to answer each question. Be prepared to discuss your answers with the class. 1. At the time that the Spanish conquistador’s invaded the Inca Empire, they were armed with state of the art weaponry. Describe this weaponry. Answers will vary but should include: horses that made them appear like god-like half man, half beast warriors, body armor, guns, and steel swords. 2. What is Jared Diamond’s explanation for why the Spanish had advanced to steel swords while Inca’s were still making tools and weapons from bronze? Answer: Because Europe was geographically close to the Fertile Crescent, they inherited the 7,000 years of metal technology that had been developed there. Because they had a diversified society that allowed for specialization, the Spanish devoted time and effort to producing the longest, strongest, sharpest swords possible. 3. How did the battle tactics used by the Spanish conquistadors help the small army defeat the Inca army that outnumbered it by the thousands? Answer: The Spaniards begin by surprising the Incas, firing their guns and coming out of hiding on horseback. As they rode, the conquistadors used their swords to hack, cut, and stab the Incas who were panicking and fleeing rather than standing firm. Had the Incas known more about this style of fighting, they could have been victorious by sheer numbers if they had stood their ground against the cavalry. 4. According to Jared Diamond, what made the Europeans...
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