Inca Warfare

Inca Ruler Pachacuti (Pachacutec)

At its height, the Inca Empire was the largest in pre-Columbian America. The Inca tribe first began to expand both its territory and sphere of influence during the reign of Pachacuti, a rapid expansion that would end just as quickly about 100 years later.

The arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, along with Old World diseases, would soon decimate the Inca civilization.

Inca Warfare, Weapons & Warriors

The expansion of the Incas was militaristic in nature. Inca warriors were organized and disciplined, while the infrastructure of the Empire, with its roads and lines of communication, allowed Inca armies to cross the realm efficiently.

Inca battle tactics were basic (compared to contemporaneous European civilizations) but effective, with a strong mix of long range and short range weaponry. To learn more about Inca warfare, read the following articles:

Ancient Inca Weapons and Inca Warriors

Battle Tactics of the Inca Civilization

Inca Battle Tactics Versus Spanish Conquistadors

 

• Have a look at HowtoPeru for a longer list of Inca articles and resources.

The World at the Height of the Incas

South America, Home of the Inca Empire (Nasa, Public Domain Image)

The Inca Empire was at its height in the early 1500s. But what was happening in the rest of the world?

By looking at major events across the globe circa 1500 a greater understanding of  Inca society,  technology and development can be gained. What was happening in Europe, Asia and Africa? Which major powers were trading with others? Indeed, which seafaring civilizations had even come into contact with each other?

Have a look at a snapshot of the world during the height of the Inca Empire in the article The Incas & World History Circa 1500 at Suite101.

Peruvian Pima Cotton

Gossypium Barbadense, more commonly known as Pima cotton, is a highly valued, long fiber cotton cultivated in many of the world’s cotton growing regions.

Peruvian Pima cotton is especially valued. Not only is this species of cotton native to Peru,  it also has a rich history of cultivation spanning millenia. The Incas cultivated cotton and were highly skilled in cotton weaving. Many of their skills died alongside them during the Spanish conquest.

Today, Peruvian Pima cotton is still cultivated in the traditional growing regions of the Peruvian north coast. Often harvested by hand, which itself leads to an even finer finish, Peruvian Pima cotton is regarded as one of the finest luxury cottons on the market.

Take a look at Peruvian Pima Cotton – Gossypium Barbadense for more information.