At first, the Incans were simply a small tribe that lived in the city of Cuzco. They worshiped their leader, the High Inca, and the Sun. Around 1430 C.E, a neighboring tribe attacked the Incas, but the Incas won. That was the beginning of the Incan Empire.
The size of the Incan Empire grew over the next 100 years. They were able to build a vast empire by demanding loyalty from conquered people. The Incans had one of the most highly developed governments of all time. At the height of their power, the Incan Empire was 2,500 miles long, 500 miles wide, and home to 12 million people. These people called themselves the people of Tavantinsuyu which means “the Four Quarters of the World.” In class activities:
- Built our own incan walls using stones as tools
- Learned about the differences between the Maya and Inca
- Made quipu detailing our age and birthorder
- Studied Llama and had a special opportunity to pat a mom and baby alpaca
- Learned about Incan communication and ran our own slow motion relay race
Optional Lesson Extension Activities:
- Pretend you are an Inca. Try your skill at this online game.
- Disney made a fun movie LOOSELY based on the High Inca. Take a look.
Assignment:
- Write a sentence or two explaining who used the Incan roads (for additional information go to http://incas.mrdonn.org/roads.html - be sure to click the roadrunner link at the bottom of the page also)
- Review your timeline
