Sapa Inca

• The most powerful person in the Inca Empire was the Sapa Inca, or emperor. The Sapa Inca was considered a demigod and ruled with totalitarian authority. Only descendants from the original Incan tribe were elected to the position of Sapa Inca. Unlike European monarchies, the Sapa Inca emperor did not have a clear line of succession. A council of royal advisors usually chose the most-qualified legitimate son, regardless of age or birth order. The Sapa Inca had one wife to bear "legitimate" children, but he also maintained a large harem of royal concubines.
  
  

Quipu-Camayocs

• The Incas did not have a written language. Instead, they relied on "quipu" (Quechua for "knot"). Quipu is a type of mnemonic device that has a number of colored strings dangling from one main cord. Each cord represents a verbal comment or important piece of information. Quipu-camayocs were the record-keepers who used the quipu to record census information. Every Incan governor employed several quipu-camayocs to record population, the number of soldiers, and amount of food and supplies. Special quipu-camayocs recorded the Incan Empire's history, sometimes manipulating the records to favor the Incas in battle and conquest
  
  

Curaca

• The curacas were officials of the Incan Empire and heads of the ayllus (familial clan units). Each allyus had four curacas: upper and lower, and the assistant to each. They were considered Incan aristocracy and acquired their positions through their ascendants. Curacas served as tax collectors and as spiritual heads of the ayllus. They also chose brides for adult males and settled disputes or minor crimes. The curacas were exempt from taxation and permitted to engage in polygamy.
  
  

Allyus

• Allyus were the basic clan-like units where the majority of the Inca people resided. They varied greatly in size and included both extended family and non-family members. Each allyu had its own patron god and parcel of land. The people in the allyu lived and farmed communally. The Incan people were largely farmers and laborers. Farming in the rough terrain was a tough process, and both men and women contributed. People in the allyus also raised llamas and alpacas for food and transportation. Marriage was considered a business-like agreement, and only monogamy was allowed for allyu residents. Children were expected to help with household chores as early as age two.