why did Incas build terraces
The Incas built terraces for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Agriculture: The main purpose of terraces for the Incas was to create flat surfaces on steep slopes for farming. By creating stepped or leveled terraces, they could cultivate crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa in areas where traditional farming methods would be challenging or impossible. Terraces helped prevent erosion and allowed for efficient irrigation systems, optimizing agricultural production.
2. Maximizing land use: The Incas built terraces to make the most of the limited arable land available in the mountainous regions where they lived. By creating multiple levels of terraces, they effectively increased the amount of usable land for farming and settlement.
3. Water management: Terraces helped the Incas manage water resources more effectively. They constructed intricate irrigation and drainage systems on the terraces to ensure the proper distribution and retention of water. This allowed them to control and utilize water for irrigation, preventing water wastage and creating sustainable agriculture.
4. Preventing erosion: The steep mountain slopes in the regions inhabited by the Incas were susceptible to erosion. By building terraces, the Incas reduced the risk of soil erosion caused by heavy rains and prevented fertile topsoil from being washed away. The stone walls and well-designed drainage systems of the terraces helped retain the soil, preserving its fertility.
5. Symbolic and religious significance: Terraces held spiritual and ceremonial importance for the Incas. They believed that the terraces connected the heavens, earth, and underworld, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the spiritual connection between humans and the divine. Terraces were often built near important religious sites and temples, emphasizing their significance in Inca cosmology and culture.
Overall, the construction of terraces by the Incas was a testament to their advanced agricultural knowledge, engineering skills, and their ability to adapt to challenging landscapes.