The Incas

Here are two facts about the Inca Empire. These facts explain why the Incas

• had legends about their origin.

• conquered many other groups.

• used runners to carry messages.

• built their capital in the mountains.

A set of strings tied into knots, called a quipu, was an aid for

• finding the best route.

• remembering information.

• catching fish in the river.

• understanding the calendar.

Much of the land that was once the Inca Empire is in which countries today?

• Peru and Ecuador

• Brazil and Paraguay

• Mexico and Guatemala

• Colombia and Venezuela

How did the Incas develop these advances?

• learned them from the Maya

• created them as original inventions

• adapted them from the Chimus

• learned them from Inti

According to Incan legend, the Inca tribe began when the sun god’s son

• rose out of Lake Titcaca.

• crossed the Pacific Ocean.

• saw an eagle on top of a cactus.

• stepped out from the eastern sky.

The Inca Empire reached its peak in the same period as which group on the timeline below?

• Olmec culture

• Classic Maya

• Toltec civilization

• Aztec Empire

The Incas lived for hundreds of years without spreading their civilization. What set off the expansion of their

empire?

• a need for more trading partners

• a priestly message from the gods

• a sudden need for more farmland

• an attack by a neighboring people

What did the Incas create to hold their empire together?

• a central market

• a network of roads

• a group of trained warriors

• a school for sons of commoners

What belongs in bottom row of this chart?

• winners of major battles

• scholars who did well in school

• local leaders of conquered people

• favorites chosen by the royal wives

The most important Incan food crop was unknown to the Maya or Aztecs. This Incan crop was

• corn.

• beans.

• squash.

• potatoes.