What Ancient Civilization Was Located in the Mountains?

Ancient civilizations have always been a subject of interest and fascination for people all over the world. The stories of these civilizations, their traditions, and their way of life have always attracted historians, archaeologists, and people who love to explore the mysteries of the past. One such civilization that is shrouded in mystery is the civilization that was located in the mountains.

Mountains – A Place for Civilization?

Mountains have always been a challenging place to live in due to their rugged terrain and harsh climate. However, ancient civilizations did thrive in these areas due to various reasons.

One reason could be that mountains provided natural defenses against invaders. Another reason could be that the mountains provided access to valuable resources like minerals, timber, and fresh water.

The Incas – A Civilization in the Mountains

One of the most famous ancient civilizations that were located in the mountains was the Inca civilization. The Incas were a powerful empire that ruled over a vast territory in South America from 1438 AD until its conquest by Spanish conquistadors in 1533 AD.

The Geography of Inca Civilization

The Inca Empire was located along the Andes mountain range, which runs down the western coast of South America. The Andes mountain range is one of the longest mountain ranges in the world and has an average height of 4,000 meters above sea level.

The Way of Life

The Incas were skilled farmers who built terraces on steep mountain slopes to grow crops like potatoes, maize, and quinoa. They also built an extensive network of roads throughout their empire which allowed them to communicate with other parts of their empire quickly.

Religion and Culture

The Incas had a rich culture and religion which was centered around their belief in Inti, the sun god. They also believed in the importance of ancestors and mummified their dead. The Incas were skilled craftsmen who made intricate gold and silver objects.

The Challenges of Living in the Mountains

Living in the mountains was not without its challenges. The Incas had to cope with extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and heavy rain. They also had to deal with landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Conclusion

The Inca civilization is just one example of an ancient civilization that was located in the mountains. Despite the challenges they faced, these civilizations were able to thrive due to their resilience and adaptability. Their legacy lives on today through their incredible architecture, artwork, and culture.