Like most of the pre-columbian civilisations, society was structured in a pyramid shape.: On top of the earthly pyramid was Sapa Inca (Inca emperor) and his queen (Coya). Under him there was the Inca nobility, the Capac Inca's who were believed to be descendants of Manco Capac (the first Inca) who ruled over a Panaca (royal house) or an Ayllu (a group of lesser nobility, who were related to the rulers of a region, before it was taken over by the Inca's). Under them there was a large group of common people that was called Yanakuna.

The Incans are mostly known for the mysterious way in which they built their close fitted stone walls, the colourful weavings and pottery. Although they didn't use a written language, their economic structure was well organised and up to this day has a modern feel to it. This made it possible to expand the empire in very little time (about a hundred years) to stretch out over what is now known as the South American continent.