The Land

The Incas ruled a land that is a little larger than Peru, most of which was made up of two parallel mountain ranges with high plateaus. Most of the land is 3,000 meters above sea level. Here is where the Amazon jungle lies. Beyond the coastal ranges no rain falls down at all. It is full of desert, although a few short torrential rivers cut their way to the sea. Sometimes there is a mist that covers the desert and leaves a nice coldness through out the land which can last for many months of the year. Peruvian life was based on fishing and on the plateau animal breeding was very common. The forest supplied tropical fruit, animal skins and brilliant feathers.

In Peru the sea is full of life. Many creatures life within the waters. Most of the fishing that is done within the water is done with large seine nets. This type of net has sinkers on the bottom and floats on the top. The fish are caught in the net when the net is dragged upon the shore. Most of the coastal cities sent out great big balsa-wood rafts. These rafts had a large sail but also had men on the sides for rowing when the breeze would not take them far. Large amounts of exchange in goods were taken up and down the rivers.

Inca Religion

The great gods of the Incas were the powers of nature especially the Sun Inti and the Moon Quilla. Other important deities were the Thunder and Rainbow Gods. and the Bright Planets. Over them all reigned Viracocha, the Creator. He was both father and mother of the Sun and Moon. He was often thought of as an old man with white hair and beard. He was supposed to be ruler of destiny and invisible. His place in the heavens was a dark area, the Coal Sack in the Milky Way.

Inca Religion