Contract law in ancient Inka Empire

This Skill Bit talks about how understanding contract law within the Inka Empire, Tawantinsuyu, necessitates a departure from modern legal concepts. Reciprocal obligations and redistributive practices, not individual contracts, structured its economy. The “mit’a” system mandated labor owed to the state, ensuring communal welfare. With no market economy, Inka society relied on reciprocity and redistribution, facilitated by a lack of written language. Spanish conquest introduced written contracts, altering Inka practices. Despite its differences, the Inka system effectively governed through communal obligations and state control.

Duration approx. 4 Min.

Tier: proficiency

A part of An Overview on Ancient Contract Laws course.