Inca civilization was structured as
1) a coalition of independent city-states.
2) a large empire with one ruler.
3) tribes unified under one religion.
4) tribute states under a central authority.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 2) a large empire with one ruler.
The Inca civilization, which flourished in the Andean region of South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, was structured as a highly centralized empire. The Inca Empire, known as Tawantinsuyu, was united under one ruler, the Sapa Inca, who was believed to be the direct descendant of the sun god, Inti. This divine kingship solidified the authority of the emperor and maintained centralized control over the vast territory.
At its peak, the Inca Empire stretched along the western coast of South America, encompassing parts of present-day Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, and Colombia. It was an organized empire with a hierarchical system of governance. The emperor, or Sapa Inca, was at the top, followed by a complex network of nobles and administrators who governed different regions and provinces.
Each province, or suyu, had local rulers known as curacas who were responsible for managing resources and maintaining order. These local leaders were often chosen from among the native populations and were expected to be loyal to the Sapa Inca. In return, the Inca rulers allowed the local populations to maintain some autonomy in their everyday affairs, but ultimate control remained with the emperor.
The Inca Empire was also famous for its infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and agricultural terraces, which facilitated communication, trade, and the movement of military forces. The Incas established an elaborate system of tribute, where conquered territories were required to pay tribute in the form of goods or labor. This tribute system reinforced the central authority of the Sapa Inca and allowed the empire to maintain its vast territorial control.
Thus, the Inca civilization was not a coalition of independent city-states, tribes, or tribute states under loose authority; rather, it was a centralized empire with a singular, powerful ruler.