Final answer:
The Inka Empire was an advanced pre-Columbian civilization in the Andean region of South America, known for their road systems, quipus, and capital city Cusco. It was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, despite the Inka's sophisticated societal and technological achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andean Civilization: The Inka Empire : The Inka Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyu, was a prominent pre-Columbian civilization based in the Andean region of South America. Thriving from the early 15th century to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the Inka were renowned for their sophisticated road network that connected the vast empire without the use of wheeled transportation, their unique communication system using quipus, and advanced administrative abilities. The heart of the Inka civilization was Cusco, a hub of cultural and technological development long before its rise as an imperial city. Despite challenging terrain which included the driest desert, Amazon rainforest, and frequent earthquakes, the Inka managed to establish monumental cities such as Machu Picchu, effectively utilizing agriculture with terraced farming, and practicing a labor-based economy devoid of monetary taxes. Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, faced significant challenges due to the unfamiliar and rough landscape, eventually conquering the Inka after capitalizing on internal conflicts within the empire.