Final answer:
The Inca Empire had an economy based on labor called the mita, was ruled by a divine leader known as the Sapa Inca, and used extensive road networks and religious symbolism to maintain cohesion. Their fall was precipitated by the Spanish invasion in the 16th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Aspects of Inca Culture and Their Demise
The Inca Empire was a remarkable civilization known for its unique economic system, strong leadership under the Sapa Inca, and sophisticated means of maintaining cohesion across a diverse territory. The economy was based on a system of trade and labor exchange known as the mita, where people contributed labor rather than paying monetary taxes. This labor supported the state, which in turn redistributed food and goods, ensuring a welfare system for all. The Sapa Inca was considered both the political and religious leader of the Inca, believed to be a descendant of the sun god Inti, which reinforced his divine right to rule. The empire was held together through a combination of military strength, organized administration, extensive road networks, and religious symbolism, including the construction of temples to Inti and the integration of conquered peoples into the Incan belief system.
Sadly, the robust Incan society eventually fell due to the Spanish invasion in the 16th century, which brought about conquest and diseases like smallpox to which the Incas had no immunity.