When you attend Spanish school in Peru, at some point during your studies you will likely hear about the Inca Empire. The reason that this time period is so important is that it was the largest pre-Columbian empire. You will see many remnants if you learn Spanish in Cusco, because the headquarters of the empire was located right in this city.
If you don’t know much about the Inca, the first thing to learn is that they came to power in the 13th century. For hundreds of years they sought to assimilate South America. They held many conquests and also annexed territories peacefully as well. Up until the mid 1500’s they added a variety of regions including parts of what is now Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Colombia. This empire was called Tawantinsuyu. This word means “The Four Regions.” Their government had a central control and also four provincial governments as well.
The Inca people worshiped the sun god or Inti. They also believed in the divine right of kings and saw their leader to be a child of the sun.
The largest expansion of the Incan empire took place under Pachacuti-Cusi Yupanqui. Part of the way he added new territories to his control was sending spies. Their leaders were promised material goods and told they would enjoy more weath if they became subjects. Many regions accepted this deal. After Pachucuti died in 1471, his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui took over.
