Which factor contributed to the expansion of the Inca Empire under Pachakuti?

The expansion of the Inca Empire under Pachakuti was significantly driven by a series of military conquests. Pachakuti, whose name means "he who transforms the earth," was a powerful leader who effectively utilized the Incan military to expand the empire’s territory. Through strategic warfare and military campaigns, Pachakuti was able to subdue neighboring tribes and incorporate them into the empire. His conquests were marked by a combination of military strength and clever diplomacy, as he often placed Inca loyalists in positions of power within the conquered regions, allowing for a smoother integration of different cultures.

While factors such as peace treaties, agricultural advancements, and cultural exchanges contributed to the overall growth and stability of the empire, it was the military conquests that served as the primary mechanism for territorial expansion during this pivotal time in Inca history. The ability to conquer and assimilate new lands was crucial to the Inca Empire's rise to prominence in the Andean region.