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THE RELIGION OF THE INCAS

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is the offer a holistic analysis of the religion associated with the great Inca

Empire. During the early 16th century, the Incas were the largest empire in pre-Columbian America and

possibly the world. Besides having the most sophisticated political and administrative structures found among

native peoples of the Americas, the Incas also possessed a military force that is similar to today’s modern

armies. In direct correlation with religion, the military campaigns of the Incas were performed with religious

idols in hand, and victories won were always attributed to divine intervention. The concept of religious omens

were also socially significant, in that the authenticity of a marriage, rights of succession, and the timing of

battles were determined by them. It is to this extent that the religion of the Incas was an integral part of

everyday life within the empire, whether militaristic or social in nature. This dissertation utilizes academic

journals and compiled research with the intention of offering insight into the religious components that were

vital to the success and legitimacy of the Inca Empire. Historical accounts and ethnographic research have

been cross-compared to further assert the accuracy of this report.

INTRODUCTION

During its prime, the Inca Empire stretched from the country of Columbia all the way to central Chile,

and commanded over twelve-million people who spoke more than twenty different languages. To compensate

for the accumulated diversity, the religion of the Incas was inclusive, in that conquered persons were allowed

to keep their native religions as long as they honored the Gods of the Incas. This honoring was mandatory, and

native idols were even held hostage in the capital city of Cusco, so as to guarantee good behavior. While

sadistic in nature, this method proved effective, and the Andean worldview was spread throughout most of

South America.

The concept of a worldview is a particular philosophy or idea of the world that is more often than not

linked to religion. In regards to the Incas, they believed in three interconnected worlds that spirits and

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