As the Incan Empire grew in size and population, the army did the same. At the height of the empire the inca army grew to approximately 200,000 men.
The military nature of the Incan kingdom caused great emphasis to be placed on the army and the position of the common soldier. Soldiers were given food and clothing and state aid was also provided for a soldier's family to ensure that agricultural making did not suffer due to the lack of a productive worker. For these reasons full-time soldiers were held in high regard and they even employed their own position in the socio-political pyramid.
When the army returned to Cuzco following a successful battle they were received by women and children as heroes in a ceremony held in their honour. The ceremony took place in the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco and consisted of exhibiting the plunder and parading the prisoners as a symbol of the victory.
The military nature of the Incan kingdom caused great stress to be placed on the army and the position of the common soldier. Soldiers were given food and clothing and state aid was also provided for a soldier's family to ensure that farming creation did not suffer due to the absence of a creative worker. For these reasons full-time soldiers were held in high regard and them even working their own position in the socio-political pyramid.
As the Inca Empire grew, the army of peasant warriors was replaced by an army with professional officers. Officers were chosen during the "Huarachicuy" festival during which candidates had to experience various tests of physical skill such as racing, marksmanship, fake war and battle drill. There was even a competition to see if they could stay awake for a long period, and in fact it is reported that some officers could remain awake for a whole week.
After a certain period of time (usually 6 or 7 years), the military service was considered to be fulfilled for common men. However, professional officers were permanent soldiers and paid by the state. This military caste enjoyed several privileges as the State paid for their food and housing costs as well as clothing and several other gifts such as coca, jewellery, and wives.
Runas (common men) from the coastal region, unlike people from the highlands, were not compelled to serve in the army. This is probably explained by their lack of adaptation to the harsh climate conditions of the highlands, where most wars took place.
The military nature of the Incan kingdom caused great emphasis to be placed on the army and the position of the common soldier. Soldiers were given food and clothing and state aid was also provided for a soldier's family to ensure that agricultural making did not suffer due to the lack of a productive worker. For these reasons full-time soldiers were held in high regard and they even employed their own position in the socio-political pyramid.
When the army returned to Cuzco following a successful battle they were received by women and children as heroes in a ceremony held in their honour. The ceremony took place in the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco and consisted of exhibiting the plunder and parading the prisoners as a symbol of the victory.
The military nature of the Incan kingdom caused great stress to be placed on the army and the position of the common soldier. Soldiers were given food and clothing and state aid was also provided for a soldier's family to ensure that farming creation did not suffer due to the absence of a creative worker. For these reasons full-time soldiers were held in high regard and them even working their own position in the socio-political pyramid.
As the Inca Empire grew, the army of peasant warriors was replaced by an army with professional officers. Officers were chosen during the "Huarachicuy" festival during which candidates had to experience various tests of physical skill such as racing, marksmanship, fake war and battle drill. There was even a competition to see if they could stay awake for a long period, and in fact it is reported that some officers could remain awake for a whole week.
After a certain period of time (usually 6 or 7 years), the military service was considered to be fulfilled for common men. However, professional officers were permanent soldiers and paid by the state. This military caste enjoyed several privileges as the State paid for their food and housing costs as well as clothing and several other gifts such as coca, jewellery, and wives.
Runas (common men) from the coastal region, unlike people from the highlands, were not compelled to serve in the army. This is probably explained by their lack of adaptation to the harsh climate conditions of the highlands, where most wars took place.
inca weapon
Bolas or Ayllos - Two or three stones tied to the ends of a length of rope to be swung around the head and then thrown at enemies (also used in hunting).
Spears - All generals would use them as symbols of power.
Macana (star-headed spear) - Wooden shaft with a heavy object at the top. Normally these heavy objects would have star shapes (to maximize chances of breaking bones) and were the most common weapons in the Inca arse.
Slings - Were composed of a regular-sized cord in which a projectile was placed (in this case, rounded stones). The projectile would be thrown with a circular movement of the headrace.
Axes - Could be made of stone or copper.
Spears - All generals would use them as symbols of power.
Macana (star-headed spear) - Wooden shaft with a heavy object at the top. Normally these heavy objects would have star shapes (to maximize chances of breaking bones) and were the most common weapons in the Inca arse.
Slings - Were composed of a regular-sized cord in which a projectile was placed (in this case, rounded stones). The projectile would be thrown with a circular movement of the headrace.
Axes - Could be made of stone or copper.