Inca Religion
SacrificesThe Inca's were Polytheists. This meant that they worshiped many Gods. Much like the Romans and the Greeks, 'The Inca's worshiped a pantheon of nature gods and goddesses.'(Inca Religion Site). They worshiped their gods at temples which were ruled by the head priest of Coricancha. This priest was in charge of making sacrifices to the gods. Most sacrifices were animals (Guinea Pigs or Llamas) however in devastating circumstances or on special occasions women or children were sacrificed to the gods, Human sacrifice would be execution by strangulation, anyone who was sacrificed was wrapped in a cocoon of textile patterns and placed next to ornaments that were silver or gold as well as other offerings.
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IntiThe most worshiped god was Inti, the sun god (pictured right) who was only second to Viracocha who was the creator god. The Incas worshiped the sun as it brought all warmth, light and sunshine for necessary agriculture. They believed if they worshiped the sun that it would bring them good weather for crops. People believed the Emperor's family were descendants of Inti's child Manco Capac, to ensure the blood line stayed true the emperor would always marry his sister.
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ViracochaViracocha (pictured right) was the creator god, 'He was believed to have created the sun and the moon on Lake Titicaca.' (Encyclopedia Britannica). Inca people believed after Viracocha created earth and the other heavens, he traveled through the world teaching other men and women the arts of civilization and man kind. It is believed at Manta (A city in Ecuador), he traveled west across the ocean of the pacific promising to one day return. He is represented by many as an old man wearing a beard (which is a symbol of water gods). He was actively worshiped during the Inca times in times of crisis or need.
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