Tawantinsuyu, also known as the Inca Empire, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, flourishing in the Andean region of South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. It encompassed parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, with its capital located in Cusco. The empire was known for its advanced agricultural techniques, extensive road systems, and impressive stone architecture, including the famous site of Machu Picchu. The Incas developed a complex society with a centralized government, a unique language called Quechua, and a rich cultural heritage that included art, music, and religious practices.