Related Links

The Incas

Inca Life

Inca Religion

Inca Conquest

The Inca

Inca Roads

Andean History

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Inca Roads

As armies expanded the Incas’ empire, teams of engineers followed behind – building a network of roads to connect new territories with the rest of the empire. These roads enabled Inca armies to move quickly and easily. Soldiers could rapidly be sent from one end of the empire to the other, quelling attempted rebellions or providing reinforcements for new conquests. Beside each road there were storehouses containing food, clothing, and weapons – ensuring that the armies were always well-provisioned with supplies. Roads were also important for communication. Messengers could be dispatched back and forth from the Incas’ capital at Cuzco, carrying news and orders so that the empire’s administrators were always well-informed about events around the empire.