The mountainous terrain of the Andes made extensive flat land for large-scale farming hard to come by.
2. Efficient Land Use:
Terraces increased the overall arable land by maximizing the available steep slopes.
3. Erosion Control:
Retaining walls prevented soil erosion caused by heavy rains on sloped terrain.
4. Water Management:
Terraces slowed water to allow better distribution and prevent drought or waterlogging.
5. Microclimates:
Creating different terraces in different elevations allowed them to grow a wider variety of crops.
6. Social Organization:
Building these structures required advanced cooperation, promoting societal order.
7. Religious Significance:
Inca culture connected farming and water to their deities making terraces culturally important.