The Inca Empire

The Inca Empire was a well organized empire. The Emperor was at the top; because he was the descendant of the sun god he was divine. Then there were the provinces governors and other offices. As we know many empire that we've learned about are with men holding offices. Women weren't thought as smart or they thought they had no ability. However, in the Inca Empire they did hold offices one of them being a chosen woman. They were selected girls that were taken and brought up with an education. Became priestesses or married high officials. How were these girls chosen from many? And what were their roles in society? It couldn't have been that easy could it? I did a bit a research and came upon article that allowed me to understand more fully.

The article "Chosen Women of the Inca Empire" explained that they were taken from their families at the age of ten. They were selected by beauty and those who were considered to have ideal perfection were sacrificed. The others were taken to Cuzco to receive an education. After this was completed they were given as wives to officials, some of the high ranking girls became secondary wives to the Emperor. Others served/assisted at temples. However most were weavers and food producers. They would cook for the people that worked for the states. These people would work for the state as a payment. Or sometimes the chosen women would even give them clothing. As mentioned a lot of the chosen women were married to high members of society, or became priestess. They all received supply of food and clothing constantly and they didn't have to perform labor work. But not all chosen women received this. Some became single and lived in secluded areas with other chosen women denied the opportunity to marry. They could do nothing about this since they left their families and so had no family support and on top of that they had no say in selecting a husband. Those found by the Inca authorities to have a relationship with a man were buried alive with their lover. As you can see the chosen women did have some advantages but they also have their disadvantages.