How Did Religion Influence The Inca Civilization

The Inca civilization was based around their religion abundantly, which played a great role in their success. The main factor that contributed to the development of the religion or belief system was the Incas reverence for two earlier civilizations who had occupied much of the same territory, the Wari and Tiwanaku. It is hypothesized by James Corrick that Inca rulers made regular journeys to Tiwanaku and the islands of the lake, where there were two shrines that were built to the Sun god and supreme Inca deity, Inti, and the Moon goddess, Mama Kilya. The Sun god and Moon goddess were what the Inca mainly believed in and practiced in the Inca civilization. Also, in the Coricancha complex at Cuzco, these deities were represented by large precious metal artworks which were attended

Their religious ceremonies took place according to the astronomical calendar, specifically the movements of the Sun, Moon, and Milky Way were a large part of Inca religion (Corrick, 56-66). Later on though, the supreme god of beginnings, Viracocha, came into belief. Viracocha was placed into the Inca pantheon and was considered more powerful than Inti and should be worshipped more. The Incas believed that Viracocha was the creator of all things including the Sun, Moon, and stars. Viracocha also was believed to walk on Earth and brought civilization to people. In their belief system, some priests and priestesses were in charge of divination, others in charge of sacrifices, and some in charge of day to day activities. According to Dennis Nishi, “The Inca faithful confessed wrongdoings to a priest, who them meted out penance that must be met before a pardon could be granted. Author George Bankes notes that confessions had to be complete and