According to chronicler Garcilazo de la Vega the Incas imposed a set of three laws on its citizens: “Ama Sua. Ama Llulla. Ama Quella” or “Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not be lazy”.  Inca law was based in a set of believes, customs and practices established by the Sapa Inca or his representatives. Regional leaders had the power to decide in matters of law however they would lose authority when the penalty was mutilation or death. Social stability in the Inca Empire was achieved by applying the laws to maintain a moral and disciplined society.

 

Inca laws were severe and harsh

The Inca government promoted peace among its citizens, there was very little crime, but when a crime was committed the punishment was ruthless. Inca laws were severe and any kind of law transgression was considered an action against divinities. There was no system of imprisonment and offenders were punished so that the penalty was exemplary to the rest of the population. Those who survived a punishment were forced to tell their stories for the rest of their lives, those interested in listening would give them food so basically their survival was based on how engaging and compelling their stories were.

Penalties could be personal or collective according to the crime, from simple mass repressions to the isolation of entire villages. Since the purpose of Inca law was to teach a lesson to the offender and prevent re occurrence by any member of the society, mutilation and the death penalty were frequently applied. Rebellions, homicide, adultery, second offenses in drunkenness, theft and laziness were all punished to death by stoning, hanging or pushing the person off a cliff.  Mutilations were common for theft. Punishment such as public scolding was administered for minor crimes and first time offenders

When the Incas conquered a new territory local laws and rules continued to be applied unless they were in conflict with Inca law. If the leader of the newly conquered territory opposed the new set of rules, he would be executed and a new loyal leader would oversee and secure loyalty among the population. This new leader was usually transferred from another territory along with his family and entourage.

More about the Incas

The Inca Empire and its origin

According to Inca tradition there are two myths explaining the origin of the Incas, the myth of Lake Titicaca and the myth of the Ayar brothers.

The Inca and its family

The Sapa Inca was polygamous and he usually married his sister who was his most important wife, she was known as the Coya.

Society in the Inca Empire

Society in the Andes was built around the ayllu. All its members had some kind of family ties, like an extended family. They all believed they were descendants of a common ancestor.

Inca religion – A religion of many Gods

Inca religion was a large melting pot of beliefs. Since the Sapa Inca was a god, religion and government were in many ways intertwined.

Cusco, the City of the Puma

The inner city of Cusco was laid out in the shape of a puma whose head was the fortress of Sacsahuaman. His body was shaped by the rivers Tulumayo and Huatanay and his tail was where both rivers meet in a place known as Pumaq Chupan.

Economy of the Inca Empire

Collective labor was the base for economic productivity and for the creation of social wealth in the Inca society.

Roads and Chasquis

Because the Inca Empire controlled such a vast territory they needed a way to communicate with all the corners of the empire. They set up a network of messengers known as Chasquis.

Inti Raymi, the celebration of the Sun

The Inti Raymi was prohibited by the Spanish during the conquest and colony claiming that it was a pagan ceremony and not in compliance with the Catholic religion.

The fall of the Inca Empire

A long civil war between brothers Huascar and Atahualpa and disease brought by the Spaniards from Europe contributed to the rapid decline of the empire.

Travel Peru – Cusco

It is estimated that around 1.5 million tourists visit Cusco every year, Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco have become the main tourist attractions in Peru and one of the most visited in South America.

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