The Advanced Culture of the Inca Empire: A Comparison with Other Civilizations

The Inca Empire was a remarkable civilization that managed to establish and maintain a large, stable, and prosperous state in the Andes mountains of South America. While often overshadowed by the more immediately advanced civilizations of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs, the Inca Empire was highly advanced for its time and location. This article explores the unique factors that contributed to the Inca's sophistication and compares them with other civilizations of their time.

Great Conquered Pre-Inca Civilizations

In contrast to the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs, the Inca Empire did not originate from advanced science and technology. Instead, they inherited sophisticated technologies from earlier civilizations. The Inca conquered and absorbed several advanced pre-Inca cultures such as the Norte Chico, Chavín, and Wari. These civilizations left behind impressive architectural ruins, well-functioning societies, and established systems of governance, reminding us that the Inca were not the first advanced inhabitants of their region.

Superb Irrigation Canals and Established Reigning Monarch

The Inca are renowned for their sophisticated agricultural techniques, particularly their advanced irrigation systems. The Qanat system, for example, was used to channel water from mountains to fields. This knowledge was not unique to the Inca, as it was also utilized by other advanced civilizations. Additionally, the Inca had a complex social and economic system, including the m'ita minga and ayni labor exchange systems, which ensured the smooth functioning of the empire without the need for currency.

Differences from Other Civilizations

When comparing the Inca Empire to other contemporary civilizations, it quickly becomes apparent that they were far more advanced than often portrayed. While the Inca were emerging in South America, Europe was witnessing a period of immense innovation and discovery, with inventions such as the spinning wheel, stirrups, astrolabes, eyeglasses, compasses, tidal mills, gunpowder, and printing presses reshaping the world. The architectural achievements in Europe, such as the construction of grand cathedrals like Notre-Dame in Paris, and the development of clock technology, put the Inca Empire to a stark contrast.

Hygiene, Roads, and Roadless Europe

The Inca Empire was not only remarkable for its architecture and agricultural techniques but also for its advanced society and hygiene. Their infrastructure included impressive roads, fortresses, and other engineering marvels. The Inca built roads that connected different regions of their empire, facilitating trade and communication. Their architectural prowess is evident in the structures they built, such as Machu Picchu, which is renowned for its stability and resistance to earthquakes and tremors.

Moreover, the Inca Empire demonstrated a high level of technological and medical knowledge. They were skilled in skull surgery, with a trepanation rate higher than that of many modern medical practices. The social and economic systems of the Inca Empire also ensured a level of prosperity and stability that was unparalleled in contemporary civilizations. They managed to eradicate widespread hunger, malnutrition, and poverty through their agricultural innovations and distribution systems.

The Potato Revolution and Global Influence

The Inca's agricultural advancements were not limited to the potato, but they did innovate by transforming it from a poisonous root to a valuable crop. The variety of potatoes cultivated in South America was extensive, and they played a crucial role in preventing European nations from facing starvation. This contribution to world cuisine and agriculture is just one example of the Inca's advanced agronomy. Other crops, such as quinoa and maize, also had a significant impact, contributing to global food security.

Conclusion: Advanced Beyond Their Time

The Inca Empire stands out as a remarkable civilization that defied the limitations of its geographic location. While European and Middle Eastern civilizations were experiencing revolutionary advancements, the Inca Empire was still capable of maintaining a stable, prosperous, and advanced society. The contributions of the Inca have left a lasting legacy, particularly in the field of agriculture, and continue to influence modern society.