The Inca Empire, which spanned the Andean region of South America, was the largest in the Americas before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Known for their architectural and engineering prowess, the Inca built cities like Machu Picchu and Cuzco, as well as a vast network of roads through mountainous terrain. They developed terraced farming techniques to grow crops in high-altitude areas and constructed complex irrigation systems.

The Inca belief system was centered on the worship of Inti, the Sun God. The emperor, known as the Sapa Inca, was believed to be a direct descendant of Inti, and as such, rituals involving the sun were of paramount importance. These religious practices connected the people to their environment, with the sun playing a key role in agriculture, politics, and daily life. Festivals like Inti Raymi, a celebration of the Sun God, were integral to their culture. Gold, believed to be the sweat of the sun, was used in religious ceremonies and was a symbol of divine power.

The Inca organized their society through ayllus, which were family-based communal groups that worked together to share land, resources, and labor. This cooperative system ensured that everyone had what they needed to survive, and members of an ayllu were expected to contribute to the community.