The Americas

Lesson 2 The World of the Incas

Key Terms
Chavín
Moche
adobe
Nazca
Huari
Tiahuanaco
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui
Sapa Inca
Cuzco
quipu
ayllu
Inti

Academic Vocabulary
network: a widely distributed group of things that work together as a unit or
system

Lesson Objectives
1. Examine the early cultures of the Andes.
2. Understand how Inca emperors extended and maintained their empire.
3. Describe the major developments of Inca civilization.

Cultures of the Andes: Text

1. Integrate Information From Diverse Sources Look at the image of the three
phases of geoglyph forms under “The Moche.” Then, read the caption
underneath the image. What can you learn about the early cultures of the Andes
by analyzing both the image and the text?

2. Draw Inferences Read the two paragraphs of “Nazca, Huari, and

Tiahuanaco.” At the end of the second paragraph, the text states, “Many of the
same artistic styles appear at Huari and Tiahuanaco, leading scholars to think
that these two southern powers shared religious and trade affiliations.” Based on
your understanding of ancient civilizations, why would similarities in artistry lead
scholars to believe that the two groups were affiliated?
Interactive Reading Notepad • Lesson 4.2
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
The Powerful Inca Empire: Text
3. Draw Conclusions The text states that the rise of the Inca emperor
Pachacuti Sapa Inca was a “historic change” in Inca history. Why is the reign of
Pachacuti now considered historic?

4. Cite Evidence Read the two paragraphs of “Uniting the Empire with Language
and Roads.” How did the development of language and roads help unite the Inca
empire? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Inca Life: Text

5. Use Visual Materials Read the two paragraphs of “Terraced Farming,” and
look at the accompanying image. How does the image help you better
understand the concept of terraced farming than the text alone?

6. Summarize Using the chart below, summarize the most important

developments of the Inca culture. Consider advancements in government, culture
and religion, agriculture, language, and engineering.

Majo r Advanc e me nts o f the Inc a

Government

Religion and Culture

Agriculture

Language

Engineering

Other

Interactive Reading Notepad • Lesson 4.2

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