Final answer:
The Andes mountains of Peru were home to the Inca Empire when the Spanish arrived. The Incas had a vast empire with a sophisticated economy, but there were also other cultures that preceded or were incorporated into the Inca civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Lived in the Andes Mountains of Peru When the Spanish Arrived?
When the Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, arrived in the Andes mountains of Peru, the Inca Empire was the dominant civilization. Renowned for their impressive social and economic systems, the Inca had created a vast empire that extended throughout Peru, parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. Their civilization was characterized by monumental buildings, extensive road systems, and innovative terraced agriculture adapted to the harsh and diverse mountainous environment. However, a variety of other indigenous cultures, such as the Chimú, had also thrived in the region but were eventually incorporated into the Inca Empire.
The Spanish conquest began in the 1530s but was not secured until 1581 due to the challenging terrain and determined Inca resistance. This conquest was aided by division within the Inca ruling class, ultimately allowing the Spanish to implement colonial rule over the region. The rich legacy of these Amerindian civilizations, particularly the Inca, are still evident in the cultural practices of the Amerindian people who live in the Andes today.