Inca Vocabulary

Front

Mountain along Southern America’s western side which is the longest mountain range in the world. It crosses South America from south to north through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is the second highest mountain range.

Back

Andes Mountains

Front

A line of mountains connected by high ground.

Back

Mountain range

Front

A four-sided rock that had four points to represent each cardinal direction, believed to be used in religious ceremonies.

Back

Intihuatana

Front

The four main compass directions: north, south, east, and west.

Back

Cardinal direction

Front

A way to grow crops on the side of a hill or mountain, where flat steps (terraces) are built into the hill.

Back

Terrace farming

Front

An ancient Inca device for recording information, consisting of a collection of strings with knots.

Back

Quipu

Front

An ancient Inca city located high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, famous for its stunning ruins. It means 'old mountain' and is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

Back

Machu Picchu

Front

Stairs made of stones or rock.

Back

Stone steps

Front

A city in southern Peru that was the capital of the Inca Empire.

Back

Cuzco

Front

A place of worship where people serve and pray to the gods they believe in.

Back

Temple