The Inca civilization, which flourished in what is now Peru from the 12th to 16th centuries, was a highly organized and sophisticated society. At the height of its power, the Inca empire stretched over a vast territory and included a diverse range of cultures and languages.
Daily life in Inca society was heavily influenced by the rigid social hierarchy and strict rules of conduct that governed every aspect of life. At the top of the hierarchy were the Inca rulers and their families, followed by the nobles and priests. Below them were the commoners, who made up the vast majority of the population.
Each member of Inca society had specific roles and responsibilities based on their social status. The Inca rulers were responsible for overseeing the administration of the empire and making important decisions that affected the whole society. The nobles, who were mostly members of the ruling class, served as administrators and advisers to the rulers. The priests, who were responsible for maintaining the spiritual well-being of the society, were also members of the ruling class.
Commoners, on the other hand, were responsible for performing the tasks necessary for the functioning of the society, such as farming, weaving, and construction. In Inca society, every able-bodied person was expected to contribute to the community through their labor.
Inca society was also highly organized in terms of its economy. The Inca empire was based on a system of exchange known as the "quipu," which involved the use of knots tied onto strings to record and communicate information. The quipu system allowed the Inca rulers to keep track of the production and distribution of goods throughout the empire.
In terms of daily life, the Inca people lived in small communities called "ayllus," which were organized around a central plaza. The ayllus were self-sufficient and relied on farming and trade to sustain themselves. Each ayllu was responsible for providing a certain amount of goods to the ruling class in exchange for protection and support.
Inca society was also characterized by a strong sense of community and a deep respect for tradition. The Inca people believed in the importance of maintaining harmony within their communities and between themselves and the natural world. This belief was reflected in their daily lives through the use of rituals and ceremonies that were meant to honor the gods and maintain the balance of the world.
Overall, Inca society was a highly organized and sophisticated civilization that was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, a strong sense of community, and a deep respect for tradition. Despite the many challenges they faced, the Inca people were able to create a thriving society that left a lasting impact on the world.
