Mayan and Inca Civilization Overview

The video explores the formation and characteristics of the Inca Empire, focusing on its rise under Pachakuti and its eventual conquest by Spanish conquistadors. It compares the Inca with other significant empires like the Aztecs and Mayans, highlighting their societal structures and economic practices. The Inca Empire, known for its vast territory and sophisticated construction like Machu Picchu, lacked a written language but had a unique labor-based taxation system. The empire's downfall came with the arrival of better-armed Spanish forces led by Francisco Pizarro.

Which two empires are highlighted as significant before European colonization?

• Aztec and Inca

• Mayan and Aztec

• Inca and Olmec

• Inca and Mayan

Who was responsible for transforming the Kingdom of Cusco into the Inca Empire?

• Atahualpa

• Pachakuti

• Montezuma

• Francisco Pizarro

What does the term 'Inca' originally refer to?

• A type of building

• A region in South America

• The ruler

• A religious ceremony

During which period was the Mayan civilization in its postclassical phase?

• 15th century

• 16th century

• Classical period

• Pre-classical period

What was a defining characteristic of an empire, as seen with the Incas?

• Building large cities

• Establishing trade routes

• Conquering other peoples and taking tribute

• Developing a written language

What was the estimated population of the Inca Empire at the time of European conquest?

• 20 million

• 15 million

• 5 million

• 10 million

What construction is believed to have been built as an estate for Pachakuti?

• Teotihuacan

• Tenochtitlan

• Chichen Itza

• Machu Picchu

How did the Incas manage taxation without a monetary system?

• Through trade

• By collecting goods

• By requiring labor

• By using a barter system

Who led the Spanish expedition that conquered the Inca Empire?

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

• Hernán Cortés

• Christopher Columbus

• Francisco Pizarro

What was a contributing factor to the Inca Empire's defeat by the Spanish?

• Natural disasters

• Internal civil war

• Complacency of the Inca ruler

• Lack of resources