The Incas had a very complex economic and social organization. It was linked to a monumental art, which deserves to be known especially for its ability to overcome the difficulties imposed by the relief.
As this region is marked by the presence of earthquakes, it should be noted that even the large buildings resisted very well to strong shocks, unlike several buildings made by Europeans that collapsed with earthquakes.
In this sense, we can say that the irrigation works towards the desert valleys, the construction of suspension bridges, between large cliffs, and embankments in swamps attest to high levels of technical knowledge.
To build roads on land with large slopes, they used the zigzag design, facilitating circulation or, if necessary, stairs. The roads were narrow as only men and llamas with loads circulated on them. Retaining walls were erected in more dangerous places to prevent collapses.
Roads played a role more linked to the control of the empire than to trade. Altogether it is estimated that there were more than 4,000 km of roads crossing the entire empire.
In the midst of the mountain ranges it was often necessary to build bridges. They were made of rope and required careful maintenance as the cables had to be replaced every year.
Along the roads, constructions could be found where travelers who were part of the army or who were employees on official service could stay overnight. In these quarters were the corridors that were in charge of carrying messages from one corner of the empire to another, making it possible, for example, for an army detachment to be informed extremely quickly about a rebellion, being able to act quickly.
Inca Civilization
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