What was Inca lifestyle like?

Answer 1

They did not write, but passed down all their knowledge orally. They used rope with string hanging down in knots called "quipu / kipu" as a method to remembering things and events.

The Inca government was centralized, with the ruler being a descendant of the Sun God Inti. The ruler would not be considered a god while he was living, but was treated as such. The ruler would marry his sister, and he cannot many "humans". But then their child would not necessarily be heir to the throne. Concubines could have his child and the child that was most suited was chosen. When the ruler died, he was mummified, and his body kept around during the early years of his successor. This was done so that the successor may speak to the predecessor for advice. Most of the government howver was a large bureaucracy and each person had his own responsibility. The more powerful you were, the more people you controlled.

There was a state religion and women called "Aclla" were the virgins who either became condubines or performed religious duties. The Sun God Inti was the most powerful, but there were various other gods and there was also ancestral worship.

The common people were divided into clan called "ayllus". To join a clan, one traced both your male and female ancestor's lines. You married within your clan and interacted with the government through your clan. You also paid your taxes through the clan.

The Inca also had a controlled state economy. The government would take a percentage from a clan as tribute. Elderly, who could not do hard labor, would make textile products as tribute.

In the Inca they had very serious laws. If you commited murder you were thrown off a cliff. If you stole or cheated your hands and feet were to be cut off and fed to the animals. ☺

Answer 2

South America