ñThe Incas developed an impressive communication network through their great expanse of territory.ñ
In the course of the 14th century, a Quechua-speaking people, the Incas, conquered a large empire in the Andes mountains of South America. Administered from their capital, Cuzco, it extended from southern Colombia to northern Chile. The victorious Incas imposed their religion - dominated by Inti, the Sun god - on their subjects. The ruler of the empire was called the Inca. He was regarded as descendant of the Sun and his will was absolute: "No bird shall fly and no leaf shall move against my wishes."
In this extensive territory with its harsh landscapes, communication was essential for those in power. Two main roads crossed Inca territory from north to south - one cut through the high Andes, the other skirted the Pacific coast. They were linked by a large number of secondary roads. Steps were cut into steep slopes to make them easier to climb, tunnels passed through the rocks, and suspended rope bridges were used to cross ravines and rivers. Post houses, known as ºtambosº, built to accommodate troops, were spread out at intervals along this remarkable communication network.
Teams of messengers - ºchasquisº - travelling on foot immediately informed the Inca of events that were taking place anywhere in the empire. It took about a week for information to travel between Quito and Cuzco - a distance of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) - passed in relay from one messenger to the next, running along the mountain roads. The roads were also used to move thousands of workers quickly from one province to another, according to the Inca's wishes.
~Inca society and economy~
The Inca Empire was divided into a large number of rural communities, led by hereditary chiefs. The land farmed by each community was divided into three parts: the two largest parts were the "land of the Sun god" and the "land of the Inca", the remainder belonging fully to the community. The Incas did not use money. Their economy was based on a tribute system. All the men in the community owed the Inca and their chief a certain amount of work, which they carried out by collectively cultivating the land belonging to the Inca and the Sun god. The community also had to provide men for army service and to carry out public works, such as building roads, bridges, and temples. In addition, each family had to pay tribute with textiles which they had made in their home from wool provided by the Inca. After 50 years of good and loyal service, the elderly were able to retire, fed and lodged by the community.ì D ≥
