The Extensive Inca Road System: A Key to Their Empire's Success

The Inca road system, also known as Qhapaq An, was one of the most extensive and advanced transportation networks in pre-Columbian South America. Spanning over 25,000 miles, it is a testament to the engineering and organizational skills of the Inca civilization.

The Comprehensive Network

The Inca road system was a marvel of ancient engineering, with a length of at least 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles). This vast network was meticulously planned and constructed, requiring significant investment of time and labor. It was recognized by UNESCO in 2014 and inscribed as a World Heritage Site, covering an area of 11,406.95 hectares and a buffer zone of 663,069.68 hectares.

Key Characteristics

The road system was composed of formal roads that were carefully planned, engineered, and constructed. These roads were marked and maintained and were paved in certain sections to enhance mobility. Stairways were built to help gain elevation and bridges were constructed to traverse rivers and other natural obstacles. The road network included retaining walls and sophisticated water drainage systems to ensure stability and functionality.

Two North-South Roads

The road system featured two primary north-south routes. One route followed the coast of the Pacific Ocean while the second, and more important, inland route traversed the Andean mountain range. Both routes had numerous branches and extended throughout the vast territory of the Tawantinsuyu, or Inca Empire.

Comparisons with Roman Roads

The Inca road network was not only comparable to the extensive road systems built during the Roman Empire, but it was also constructed around one thousand years later. This suggests that the Inca were similarly advanced in their understanding of transportation infrastructure.

Functions and Benefits

The road system was crucial for the efficient transfer of information, goods, soldiers, and people. It allowed for the smooth operation of the vast Inca Empire, which covered almost 2.000,000 square kilometers (770,000 square miles) and was inhabited by about 12 million people. The roads were bordered at intervals with facilities to facilitate effective usage.

Relay Stations and Support Facilities

Short distance along the roads were relay stations where chasquis, the Inca's running messengers, would change shifts to ensure the swift delivery of messages. One-day walking distances saw the placement of tambos, which provided support for road users and flocks of llamas. Administrative centers with warehouses called qullqas were strategically located along the roads for the redistribution of goods. Towards the borders of the Inca Empire, pukaras, or fortresses, were found to secure the network.

Legacy and Modern Usage

Significant portions of the Inca road system are still in use today. One notable example is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is well known to trekkers and sees heavy tourist traffic. Modern studies have shown that the effects of the Inca road system persisted for over 500 years, with higher wages, nutrition, and school levels found in communities living within 20 kilometers of the ancient roads compared to similar communities further away.

Global Heritage and Collaborative Protection

The Inca road system is a recognized part of the cultural heritage of South America. Different organizations, including UNESCO and IUCN, have been working in collaboration with governments and communities in six countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, through which the Great Inca Road passes. Their efforts aim to preserve and protect this ancient testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.