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The Inca Empire, flourishing from the 15th to the 16th century in the Andes, was known for its advanced engineering, architecture, and social organization. Key achievements included the construction of an extensive road network and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, while the concept of 'ayllu' emphasized community cooperation. The civilization ultimately fell to Spanish conquistadors in 1532, leading to the decline of their once-great empire.

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5 views

1-66

The Inca Empire, flourishing from the 15th to the 16th century in the Andes, was known for its advanced engineering, architecture, and social organization. Key achievements included the construction of an extensive road network and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, while the concept of 'ayllu' emphasized community cooperation. The civilization ultimately fell to Spanish conquistadors in 1532, leading to the decline of their once-great empire.

Uploaded by

nihaelize
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Name __________________________

Mysteries of the Mighty Inca Civilization

Deep in the rugged Andes Mountains of South America,


nestled amidst valleys and peaks, once thrived one of
the most remarkable civilizations in history – the Inca
Empire. Flourishing from the early 15th century until the
arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century,
the Incas left an indelible mark on the world with their
advanced engineering, awe-inspiring architecture, and
intricate social organization.

The origins of the Inca civilization trace back to the legendary figure Manco Cápac,
who, according to Inca mythology, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca to found
the first Inca settlement. Over centuries, the Incas gradually expanded their domain,
forging alliances with neighboring tribes and integrating them into their empire. At its
zenith, the Inca Empire stretched over 2,500 miles along the western coast of South
America, from modern-day Colombia in the north to Chile in the south.

What set the Inca civilization apart was its unparalleled mastery of engineering. Despite
the challenging terrain of the Andes, the Incas built an extensive network of roads,
bridges, and agricultural terraces, allowing for efficient communication and trade
across their vast empire. Their most famous achievement, however, was Machu Picchu
– a breathtaking citadel perched atop a mountain ridge. Believed to have served as a
royal estate or religious sanctuary, Machu Picchu showcases the Inca's architectural
brilliance and their reverence for the natural landscape.

At the heart of Inca society was the concept of "ayllu" – a close-knit community unit
governed by social and economic cooperation. Within the ayllus, individuals worked
together for the collective benefit, sharing resources and labor to ensure everyone's
well-being. This communal ethos extended to the Inca economy, which relied heavily
on a system of labor tribute known as "mit'a," where subjects contributed their time and
effort to state projects such as road construction and agricultural work.

Despite their achievements, the Inca civilization faced its downfall with the arrival of the
Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. In 1532, Pizarro and his small band of
soldiers exploited internal divisions within the Inca Empire, capturing and eventually
executing the Inca ruler Atahualpa. With their leader gone, the Incas succumbed to
Spanish rule, and their once-mighty empire was reduced to a mere shadow of its former
glory.

Today, the legacy of the Inca civilization lives on in the ruins of Machu Picchu, the
enduring traditions of Andean communities, and the collective memory of a people
who defied the odds to create one of the greatest civilizations in history.

© 15Worksheets.com
Name __________________________

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Mighty Inca Civilization


Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What was one of the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization?

A) Building roads and bridges


B) Sailing across oceans
C) Constructing skyscrapers
D) Inventing the printing press

2. Who was Manco Cápac, according to Inca mythology?

A) The first Spanish conquistador


B) A legendary figure who founded the first Inca settlement
C) A famous Inca architect
D) The last Inca emperor

3. What was Machu Picchu believed to be?

A) A royal estate or religious sanctuary


B) A marketplace for trading goods
C) A military fortress
D) A prison for criminals

4. What was the concept of "ayllu" in Inca society?

A) A type of fruit grown in the Andes


B) A musical instrument played by the Incas
C) A close-knit community unit governed by social and economic cooperation
D) A type of clothing worn by Inca warriors

5. How did the Inca civilization meet its downfall?

A) Through a peaceful transition of power


B) Because of natural disasters like earthquakes and floods
C) By losing a war against neighboring tribes
D) Due to internal divisions within the empire and the arrival of the Spanish
conquistadors

© 15Worksheets.com

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