Inca Economic Innovations

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is an exploration into the sophisticated economy of the Inca Empire, detailing how it effectively sustained a large population and became a cornerstone of their civilization’s success. It explains the Incas’ agricultural strategies for cultivating various crops, such as maize, potatoes, quinoa, and cotton, across different ecological zones. The worksheet also highlights innovative techniques such as terrace farming and crop rotation, and the integral role of infrastructure like road systems in supporting commerce and resource distribution throughout the empire.

The worksheet is designed to teach students about the Inca economy’s multifaceted nature, which ranged from advanced agricultural practices to intricate trade systems within the empire. It teaches about the mit’a system, a labor tax where citizens provided work in exchange for goods and services, effectively acting as a form of social welfare. Students will learn how the Inca economy facilitated not only the distribution of goods but also cultural integration and unity across diverse geographical regions. By learning about these economic practices, students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of economic systems on the development and sustainability of civilizations.