The Incas were accomplished farmers who used a variety of techniques to produce a surplus of food, including:
* Terracing: The Incas built terraces on steep hillsides to create more arable land.
* Irrigation: The Incas built canals to irrigate their crops, especially in the dry coastal regions of Peru.
* Fallowing: The Incas allowed their fields to lie fallow for a period of time to restore soil fertility.
* Crop rotation: To maximise their resources and ensure soil fertility, the Incas rotated their crops on their large-scale farmland.
Some of the main crops grown by the Incas included:
* Maize (corn)
* Potatoes
* Quinoa
* Beans
* Chilli peppers
* Tomatoes
* Peanuts
* Sweet potatoes
* Manioc (Cassava)
* Cotton
* Coca leaves
Textiles:
The Incas were skilled weavers who produced a variety of textiles, including:
* Wool: Wool from camelids, such as alpacas and llamas, was the primary fiber used by the Incas.
* Cotton: Cotton was grown in the coastal regions of Peru and was used to make clothing and other goods.
Animal Husbandry:
The Incas kept a variety of animals, including:
* Llamas: Llamas were used for transportation and as beasts of burden.
* Alpacas: Alpacas were raised for their wool.
* Guanacos: Guanacos were wild camelids that were hunted for their meat and fur.
* Vicuñas: Vicuñas were wild camelids that were highly prized for their fine wool.
* Guinea pigs: Guinea pigs were raised for food.
Mining and Metallurgy:
The Incas were skilled miners and metallurgists who extracted a variety of metals from the earth, including:
* Gold: Gold was used to make jewelry and other luxury goods.
* Silver: Silver was used to make currency, jewelry, and other goods.
* Copper: Copper was used to make tools, weapons, and jewelry.
* Bronze: Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was used to make tools, weapons, and armor.
Trade:
The Incas also engaged in trade with other cultures, including the coastal peoples of Peru and the Amazonians.
* Imports: The Incas imported goods such as fish, seashells, and tropical fruits from the coastal peoples. They also imported gold and silver from the Amazonians.
* Exports: The Incas exported goods such as textiles, pottery, and metal goods to other cultures.