A Socialist Empire

The book presents an analysis of Incan society through the lens of state socialism, as argued by Louis Baudin. He posits that the ayllu system exemplifies collective ownership, contrasting sharply with European notions of private property. Baudin suggests that the Inca's social structure facilitated conformity, with higher-ranking officials imposing uniformity in dress, diet, religion, and language (Quechua) among the populace. This exploration challenges conventional categorizations of the Inca civilization, emphasizing its unique social dynamics and collective ethos.