Answer :
Final answer:
Inca refers to the ruling elite in Quechua and is associated with the title of the empire's leader, the Sapa Inca. The Incan Empire was a formidable Andean civilization with Cuzco as its center, and it fell to Spanish conquerors in the 16th century.
Explanation:
The term Inca originates from the Quechua word for "lord" or "ruler," used to describe the ruling elite of the society. The Incan civilization, based in the Andes, was an empire that prospered in the 15th century. The Incan ruler, known as the Sapa Inca, held autocratic power over the empire, which extended from Ecuador to Chile at its zenith.
The Cuzco capital was the political and spiritual center, where the Sapa Inca resided and oversaw both government and religious activities.
The Incan Empire was notable for its expansive road system, cohesive administration, military prowess, and spiritual system that included worship of Inti, the sun god, with the Sapa Inca regarded as Inti's earthly embodiment. Despite its power, the empire eventually succumbed to Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
