Inca Empire

Largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas.

Incan Empire Tawantinsuyu

The Inca Empire, also known as the Incan Empire and Tawantinsuyu, was the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas. It flourished from c. 1438 to 1533, encompassing a large portion of western South America.

Pronunciation

/ˈɪŋkə ɪmˌpaɪər/

Etymology

The name 'Inca' comes from the Quechua word for ruler or emperor.

Explain Like I’m 5

The Inca Empire was a really big group of people in South America long ago, known for building amazing stone cities like Machu Picchu and having a complex system of roads.

Fun Facts

The Inca didn't have a writing system, but used knotted strings called quipus to record information
They built extensive road networks spanning over 25,000 miles
They practiced a unique form of agriculture called terracing to farm on steep hillsides

FAQ

What was the Inca Empire? It was the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas
When did it exist? Roughly from 1438 to 1533
Where was it located? Primarily in modern-day Peru

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

Andean civilizations empires

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Cuzco Machu Picchu Quito

Meronyms — Parts or Components

roads temples terraces

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

South America pre-Columbian Americas

Indexes

historical empire pre-Columbian civilization

Built by Tim Jones