The [G 11 / Inca] developed a complex system of administration in their empire based on a pyramid structure.
The empire was divided into four provinces and called Tahuantinsuyu, meaning `the land of the four quarters.' Cuzco was the center both politically and geographically. Each quarter of the empire was ruled from a provincial capital by a noble who was the governor of the province. The four governors made up the council of state in Cuzco which advised the emperor.
Under the provincial governor there were officials called `[G 10 / curacas].' There were many levels of curacas, from the lowest who were in charge of a group of 100 men, to the highest who oversaw 10,000. The post of curaca was initially hereditary and the upper ranks were usually chosen from the noble class. Under Emperor Topa Inca Yupanqui, many ranks of the curacas were appointed instead of being hereditary.
At the bottom of the hierarchical ladder there were two different ranks of foremen who controlled 10 or 50 men.
