What role did the Chimu practice of road building play on the Inca?
The Chimu practice of road building had a significant influence on the Inca civilization. When the Inca Empire expanded and absorbed the Chimu Empire in the late 15th century, they inherited an extensive road system built by the Chimu.
The road system, known as the Capac Ñan or Inca Road, was already well-established by the Chimu and covered a vast territory, stretching for thousands of miles across the Andes Mountains and along the Pacific coast. The Inca, recognizing the value of this road network, further expanded and improved upon it to serve their own needs.
The Chimu roads played a crucial role in facilitating trade, communication, and the administration of the vast Inca Empire. The roads connected various Inca provinces, allowing the efficient movement of people, goods, and information. The Inca Road system played an essential role in the administration of the empire, as it allowed for the rapid transportation of goods and messages between the Inca capital of Cusco and the distant provinces.
Additionally, the roads were strategically constructed and often accompanied by rest houses, tambos, and storage depots along the way. These structures provided facilities for travelers and served as military outposts, ensuring the safety and security of the empire. The road system also played a vital role in the Inca's ability to mobilize their military forces quickly, allowing them to respond rapidly to any threats or rebellions within their empire.
Overall, the Chimu practice of road building greatly influenced the Inca civilization, providing them with a vast and well-developed road network that played a pivotal role in the empire's functioning, communication, and administration.