This seminal work of history traces the rise and fall of the Inca empire, and examines the political, social, and economic structures that made it one of the greatest civilizations of the New World. Drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, it offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of a society that remains a source of fascination and inspiration to people around the globe. Whether you're a historian, anthropologist, or simply a lover of history, this book is an essential addition to your library. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.