Despite having a little freedom, people under incan benefited from
various opportunities and advancements during the Incan Empire. Here are some of the benefits that people under the Incan Empire experienced:
1. Infrastructure and Engineering: The Incas had excellent engineering skills and built extensive infrastructure systems. They constructed vast networks of roads, bridges, and tunnels across their empire, making travel and trade more accessible for the people. This facilitated the movement of goods, services, and communication within the empire.
2. Agricultural Innovations: The Incas implemented advanced agricultural techniques, such as the construction of terraces on mountainsides and the use of irrigation systems. These innovations helped increase agricultural productivity, leading to surplus food production. As a result, people enjoyed more food security and better nutrition.
3. Social Welfare: The Incan government had a centralized administrative system that focused on the well-being of its citizens. They organized the redistribution of resources, ensuring that basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing were provided to those in need. This social welfare system helped reduce poverty and ensured a certain level of comfort for the people.
4. Health and Medicine: The Incas had a rudimentary knowledge of medicine and had specialized healers known as "amanas" who treated illnesses and injuries. They also practiced basic hygiene measures, such as community bathing and public sanitation systems. These efforts contributed to maintaining public health and reducing the spread of diseases.
5. Education and Skill Development: While formal education was limited, the Incas emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer through oral traditions and apprenticeships. Young people were taught various vocational skills like farming, weaving, pottery, and construction. This helped in preserving cultural traditions and promoting economic productivity.
6. Cultural and Artistic Expression: During the Incan Empire, there was a flourishing of art, architecture, and cultural expression. The people had the opportunity to engage in various artistic activities, such as painting, ceramics, and textiles. This allowed for cultural enrichment and the development of their creative talents.
7. Military Protection: The Incan Empire maintained a strong military presence to protect their territories and citizens. This provided a sense of security and protected the population from external threats and invasions.
It is important to note that while the Incas provided certain benefits to their people, there were restrictions on personal freedoms, social mobility, and individual choices. The Incas were a highly hierarchical society with a rigid social structure, and people were expected to fulfill their assigned roles within the empire's governance and economy.