The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is South America.
The Inca Empire, known in the Quechua language as Tawantinsuyu or the “Realm of the Four Parts,” was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Its civilization flourished in the challenging and diverse geography of the Andes mountains in western South America. The empire’s vast territory stretched for over 2,500 miles along the spine of the continent, making it a distinctly South American power.
At its height in the early 16th century, the Inca domain encompassed a significant portion of the continent. Its heartland and capital city, Cusco, was located in modern day Peru. From this center, its influence extended north into parts of Ecuador and southern Colombia, and south through Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and a large section of northern and central Chile. This vast region included an incredible variety of landscapes, from the arid coastal deserts bordering the Pacific Ocean to the high altitude peaks and valleys of the Andes, and even the fringes of the Amazon rainforest.
This specific location is crucial to understanding Incan culture and achievements. To thrive in this environment, the Inca became masterful engineers and administrators. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, such as the construction of stone terraces called andenes, which allowed them to farm on steep mountainsides. Furthermore, to connect and control their sprawling territory, they built the Qhapaq Ñan, an extensive and complex road system that is a testament to their ability to conquer the difficult Andean terrain. This location clearly distinguishes the Inca from other major American civilizations like the Aztecs and Maya, who were centered in Central America and Mexico, which is part of North America.
