The Incca Socialization: The Collapse Of The Inca Civilization

The Collapse of the Inca Civilization The collapse of a complex society is the resultant force of rapid simplification (Tainter, 1990). Whether intrinsically or extrinsically inflicted, exploitation of the very factors with which societal complexity is achieved may initiate the collapse of a civilization (Tainter, 1990). A total of six factors signal the attainment of societal complexity (i.e., urbanization, complex economy, scientific enhancement, public architecture, state religion, and social organization). The collapse of the Inca Empire stood as an example of both intrinsically and extrinsically derived simplification of its complex society. Intrinsically, many of the factors that built societal complexity were poorly establish, predisposing

This research paper will begin by briefly introducing the Inca civilization. It will then chronologically identify the factors compromising the Inca’s complex society, discuss the findings, and conclude by offering the author’s interpretation of the research.

The Inca Empire Existing for roughly 100 years (between 1438 and 1533), the Inca Empire was comprised of four regions collectively known as Tawantinsuyu. The four regions of Tawantinsuyu comprised a 3,000 kilometre (from Ecuador to Chile) heterogeneous landscape connected by nearly 40,000 kilometres of roads. Inca society was deeply integrated with religion. Upon death, the Inca ruler was mummified; however, the mummified ruler continued to exert his power on society. Through living mediums, the deceased ruler was able to communicate his wishes. This ceremonial connection between the living and dead was practiced in the empire’s capital, Cuzco. Cuzco was the religious, economic, and political staple of the empire.

These events include the weakening of the Inca Empire (prior to the Spanish conquest), the capture of Atawallpa, the Spanish conquest of Cuzco, the defeat of Manco Inca’s rebellion, and the execution of Tupac Amaru. Within each major event lies many Weakening of the Inca Empire. Prior to the Spanish conquest of Cusco in 1533, the Inca Empire had been greatly weakened. The interaction between the two civilizations elicited a smallpox epidemic in Tawantinsuyu — further weakening the Empire (Bungum, 2003). The Inca Empire experienced an intrinsic threat to societal complexity: succession crisis. Rivalry among brothers for power was a frequent event as a result of their hereditary monarchy. Immediately prior to the Spanish conquest of Cusco, a violent war between Atawallpa and Waskhar (half-brothers) engulfed the entire empire. The conflict settled once Waskhar and his family were murdered; however, the wars longevity weakened the