What is one reason why the Inca mummified their leaders?

The mummification of Inca leaders was primarily rooted in their beliefs about the afterlife. The Inca civilization held a strong belief in life after death, and they saw mummification as a crucial step in preparing their leaders for this journey. By preserving the bodies of their prominent figures, they ensured that the deceased rulers could continue to have a presence and influence in the world of the living, which was integral to their spiritual beliefs and societal structure.

The act of mummifying leaders allowed the Inca to honor and respect their past rulers, maintaining a connection to their heritage and lineage. This practice was not just about keeping leaders as symbols or displaying them in rituals; it was fundamentally about ensuring that the leaders could transition into the afterlife, uphold their role in the spiritual ecosystem, and intercede for the living. Such beliefs underscored the importance of leaders even after their death, making the mummification process a significant aspect of their cultural and religious ideology.