Science and Technology of Inca Empire

There were thought to be 10 million people living in the intricate Inca Empire. They possessed extensive stone towns, stunning temples, a sophisticated political system, a complex road network, and a highly developed governance.

However, the Inca lacked many of the fundamental technologies that we frequently regard as essential to modern nations. They had no writing system for keeping records, no wheel for transportation, and even no iron for producing tools. How did they build such a sophisticated Empire?

The Inca Empire employed the following significant scientific advancements and technologies.

Roads and Communication

The Incas constructed a vast network of roadways that connected every part of their kingdom. Typically, stone was used to pave the roads. In steep mountain terrain, stone steps were frequently constructed. Additionally, they constructed bridges where highways had to cross rivers.

The main functions of the roadways were for transportation of products, army unit movement, and communication. Commoners were prohibited from using the roadways.

Running on the roadways was a form of communication. Fast young males known as “chaskis” would sprint between relay stations. They would deliver the message to the following runner at each station. Messages might be delivered verbally or through the use of a quipu (see below). Using this method, messages moved at a rate of roughly 250 miles per day.

Quipus

A quipu was a group of knotted strings. In a manner similar to writing, the Inca understood the significance of the quantity, size, and spacing of the knots. Quipus was only used by authorities with specialized training.

Stone Structures

The Incas were able to construct buildings out of solid stone. They were able to shape big stones without the aid of iron instruments and fit them together without mortar. The Inca were able to build enormous stone structures that stood the test of time for hundreds of years despite the frequent earthquakes that Peru experiences by precisely fitting the stones together with one another and using other architectural techniques.

Farming

The Incas were master cultivators. They cultivated crops in a variety of environments, from the desert to the highest mountains, using irrigation and water storage methods. The Inca farmers were extremely productive even though they lacked iron tools and beasts of burden.

Astronomy and the calendar

In order to grow their crops at the proper time of year, the Inca employed their calendar to note seasonal changes and religious holidays. To make their calendar, they studied the sun and the stars.

Twelve months made up the Inca calendar. Three weeks of ten days each made up each month. The Inca would add one or two days to put the calendar and the sun back into harmony when they became out of sync.

Administration and taxes

The Inca had a sophisticated tax and governmental structure. A large number of bureaucrats maintained an eye on the populace and ensured that taxes were paid. Although the people had to put in a lot of work, their basic requirements were met.

Interesting Inca Science and Technology Information

If the message wasn’t precisely delivered, the messengers who sprinted on the roadways would suffer terrible punishment. This hardly ever occurred.

The Inca constructed many different types of bridges, including as pontoon bridges and suspension bridges.

The coca leaf was one of the primary medicinal substances employed by the Inca.

Aqueducts were constructed by the Inca to supply towns with fresh water.

One pace, or “thatki,” was the fundamental measure of space employed by the Inca.