Inca education

Inca education during the time of the Inca Empire was divided into two main groups: one for the upper classes and one for everyone else. Only the royal family and a few special people from the provinces received formal education from the Amawtakuna, who were wise philosopher-scholars. The rest of the people learned from their families and community.

The Amawtakuna in Peru were like wise storytellers, similar to the bards of Great Britain. They were philosophers, poets, and priests who kept the history and traditions of the Incas alive. They taught young members of the royal family and some chosen from conquered cultures to help govern the empire.

Because the Incas did not have a written language, they used Quipus to keep records, making it hard to know exactly how their education system worked. The Amawtakuna made sure everyone learned Quechua, the language of the empire, much like the Romans spread Latin in Europe. Education was different for everyone, with only royalty and special chosen people getting formal lessons.

Education of the Inca nobility

According to Friar Martín de Murúa, the young boys of noble families began their learning at age 13 in special schools called Yachaywasi in Cuzco. Wise teachers called Amawtakuna taught them about Inca beliefs, history, and how the empire was ruled. They also helped the boys understand the quipu, a special way of keeping records using knotted strings. The boys also practiced running, strength training, and learning how to be warriors.

By age 19, these boys finished their studies. They had tests to show what they learned, and after passing, they wore special clothing to show they were now grown up. There was a big celebration where they showed off their skills and met the ruler, who honored them for their hard work.

Some writers mention that girls from noble families also went to special schools called Aklla wasi. There, they learned about Inca traditions, skills like spinning and weaving, and some ideas about helping govern, though not as much as the boys. After finishing their training, some girls would stay to help teach new students, while others might serve important roles in the empire.

Popular education

Most children in the Inca Empire learned from their families rather than going to school. Elders taught them about their culture and arts. While education was a right for everyone, it was not organized like a school system, so many children did not attend formal classes.

Education after colonization

After Europeans arrived, two types of education developed in the Inca Empire. Some children of Inca nobles and European conquerors grew up learning from both European and Inca traditions. One famous example was Garcilaso, whose mother was an Inca noble and whose father was European. He received formal European schooling and also learned from his Inca family.

Europeans who came to Peru were surprised that the Incas did not use a written language. Instead, they used a tool called the quipu. Some Europeans, like Guaman Poma, learned to use the quipu and even wrote a book about it for the King of Spain Philip II.