The Inca Empire was located in the Andes Mountains and Pacific coast of South America, with its capital at Cuzco in present-day Peru. The Inca had a polytheistic religion tied to nature and the sun god Inti. The Sapa Inca, or emperor, had absolute power as both political and religious leader. The Inca built an extensive road network and developed advanced agricultural techniques, but disease and military conflict with Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro ultimately brought about the decline and fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century.

2. Major Pre-Columbian Civilizations Aztecs Mayas Incas

3. 1200 CE – 1550 CE

8. Religion: Paracas Skulls

19. The Quipu: An Incan Database

20. Machu Picchu

21. Machu Picchu

22. Incan Terrace Farming

23. Incan Suspension Bridges

24. Inca Gold & Silver

25. Incan Ceramic Jars Peanut Potato Squash Cacao God Cacao Pod

27. Incan Mummies