The Inca conquest of the north coast: a historian's view

Ramírez, Susan E.

essay

The Inca conquest of the north coast: a historian's view

northern dynasties : kingship and statecraft in chimor: a symposium at dumbarton oaks, 12th and 13th october 1985 • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1990 • Pages: 507-537

By: Ramírez, Susan E..

Abstract
Documents and oral histories from the sixteenth century are used to extrapolate what impact the Inka had on the Chimu after they conquered the North Coast, to what extent Inka state organization was accepted by the Chimu, and, conversely, how the Inka may have been influenced by the Chimu. The focus is on the decimal organization of the population, on land tenure, and on patterns of exchange. It is found that the Inka only changed conditions superficially and briefly. For instance, traditional names or titles of lords persisted (even to this day as place names), provincial boundaries seem not to have changed, and management of the land—including tribute production—remained the purview of local lords. The Inka appear to have learned something about exchange from the Chimu, easing travel restrictions to facilitate it, partly to gain more tribute. Inka claims of transforming the Chimu likely are exaggerated, as Chimor was already a highly organized state.

Acculturation and culture contact

Territorial hierarchy

Real property

Status, role, and prestige

Taxation and public income

HRAF PubDate

2015

Region