Architecture

One of the most famous Inca cities is Machu Picchu, built high in the mountains. It was placed on a narrow ridge with steep cliffs, making it hard for enemies to reach. The buildings were made from perfectly cut stone that fit together without mortar. Machu Picchu had terraces for farming, stone houses, temples, and water channels for fresh water. After the Inca Empire fell, Machu Picchu was forgotten and hidden by jungle for hundreds of years. It was rediscovered in the early 1900s, surprising the world. Many historians believe it was a royal retreat or sacred place, and its true purpose is still a mystery.

Even more impressive was the Inca road system. The Inca built over 25,000 miles of roads across mountains, deserts, rivers, and forests. These roads connected the entire empire. Some roads were paved with stone, while others were packed dirt. Many were so well built that parts are still used today.

The Inca had no horses or wheeled carts, so all travel was done on foot. They built rope bridges made from grass to cross deep valleys and rivers. Along the roads were rest houses where travelers and messengers could eat and sleep.

Fast runners called chasquis carried messages along the roads. They ran from station to station, passing messages quickly across the empire. Thanks to this system, news could travel hundreds of miles in just a few days.