Inca Science, Innovation And Technology

Pontoon bridges and suspension bridges are two types of Inca bridges. A pontoon bridge is a type of floating bridge that is supported by floating pontoons or boats, while a suspension bridge is a type of bridge that has towers and cables to support the bridge deck. These types of bridges were used by the Incas to navigate rivers and steep terrain in their empire.

A quipu is a device used to keep Inca records. This is supported by historical evidence that suggests quipus were used by the Inca civilization as a form of accounting system. Quipus consisted of colored strings that were knotted in various patterns and configurations to represent different information such as numbers, dates, and events. These records were used to keep track of taxes, census data, and other important information in the Inca empire.

Inca builders and weapons makers did not favor the use of iron for its strength. Instead, they primarily used bronze and stone for their constructions and weapons. Iron was not widely available in the Inca civilization, and they did not have advanced ironworking techniques. Therefore, the statement is false.

The correct answer is "The Inca also used pulley baskets to cross ravines and waterways." This answer is supported by the fact that the Inca used various methods to cross ravines and waterways, including pulley baskets. The use of pulley baskets allowed them to transport people and goods across these natural obstacles effectively and safely.

The Inca addressed the challenges of communicating across great distances by creating a message delivery system using chasquis. Chasquis were highly trained and skilled runners who would relay messages from one point to another. They would run long distances, carrying the messages in the form of quipus or verbal instructions, ensuring efficient communication across the vast Inca Empire. This system allowed for quick and reliable communication, enabling the Inca to govern and maintain control over their vast territories.

The statement suggests that the Inca built their bridges to last forever, similar to their roads. However, this is not true. While the Inca were skilled engineers and constructed impressive road networks, their bridges were not designed to last forever. Inca bridges were often made of natural materials like grass, wood, or ropes, which would naturally deteriorate over time. Additionally, the Inca used suspension bridges that required regular maintenance and replacement. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The correct answer is that the Inca used pontoon bridges to cross surface level waterways. This means that when they needed to cross rivers or other bodies of water that were at the same level as the surrounding land, they would use pontoon bridges. This makes sense because pontoon bridges are specifically designed to be placed on top of water and provide a stable platform for crossing. They would not have used suspension bridges in these situations because suspension bridges are typically used for crossing larger bodies of water or deep canyons where there is a significant height difference between the bridge and the water below.

Inca cities protected themselves by building stone fortresses near the cities where the Inca people would run when attacked. This strategy allowed them to seek refuge and defend themselves from any invading force. By having these fortresses in close proximity to the cities, the Inca people could quickly retreat to a safer location and regroup to counter the attack. These stone fortresses served as a defensive measure and provided a strong line of defense against potential threats.

A chasqui is an Inca relay runner. The chasquis were highly trained messengers in the Inca Empire who would run long distances to deliver messages and goods between different parts of the empire. They were known for their exceptional speed and endurance, and played a crucial role in maintaining communication and transportation within the empire. The conch-shell horn mentioned in the other option was blown by the chasquis to signal their arrival or to relay messages.

When Machu Picchu was discovered, its importance stemmed from the fact that despite the Inca civil war and the arrival of the Spanish, it was mostly complete. This suggests that the city was able to withstand these historical events and remained intact, providing valuable insights into the Inca civilization. The completeness of the city allows researchers to study and understand various aspects of Inca culture, architecture, and daily life, making it a significant archaeological find.

The Inca government, when conquering a new tribe, implemented three main actions. First, they constructed new roads to facilitate communication and transportation within the empire. Second, they conducted a thorough census, counting everything and everyone in the conquered tribe to maintain control and ensure proper taxation. Lastly, they appointed a new governor to oversee the administration of the newly conquered territory, ensuring the enforcement of Inca laws and policies.

The Inca road builders faced the biggest challenge in dealing with the diverse geography of the empire. The Inca Empire covered a vast territory that included mountains, valleys, jungles, and deserts. This diverse terrain made it difficult to construct roads that could connect different regions of the empire. The builders had to overcome various obstacles such as steep slopes, rocky terrain, and dense vegetation. They had to design and construct roads that could withstand these challenges and provide efficient transportation and communication throughout the empire.

The statement "Massive stone walls around Inca cities made the cities safe" is false. While it is true that Inca cities had stone walls, these walls were primarily built for ceremonial and aesthetic purposes rather than for defense. The Inca civilization relied more on their military strength and strategic location of their cities, rather than the walls, for protection against invaders. Additionally, the walls were not completely impenetrable and could be breached by determined attackers.

Inca architects made their buildings match the surrounding landscape by using two techniques. Firstly, they built them out of stone from the surrounding mountains, which allowed the buildings to blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. Additionally, they angled the doorways, windows, and roofs to mirror the shape of the mountains, further enhancing the integration of the structures with the surrounding landscape.

The statement "No one is sure what Machu Picchu was used for" is the correct answer because despite extensive research and speculation, there is still no definitive answer as to the exact purpose of Machu Picchu. While some theories suggest it was a religious retreat or a vacation home for the Sapa Inca, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. The mysterious nature of Machu Picchu adds to its allure and continues to intrigue researchers and visitors alike.

The Inca expansion led to new challenges for keeping the empire united because as the empire grew, it became more difficult to maintain control over the vast territories and diverse populations. The expansion also led to the adoption of new technologies as the Inca incorporated conquered peoples and their knowledge into their own society, resulting in advancements in agriculture, architecture, and engineering.

The purpose of the Inca roads was to facilitate quick transportation of the army to put down rebellions in distant parts of the empire, enable government communication between the capital and the distant provinces, provide quick and easy access to parts of the empire affected by natural disasters, and serve as a way to move food from farms to storehouses. The roads were crucial for maintaining control over the vast Inca empire, ensuring efficient military response, effective governance, disaster management, and food distribution.

The Inca road system was a network of roads that connected various settlements to administrative centers. This allowed for efficient communication and transportation between different parts of the Inca Empire. Additionally, one of the main purposes of the road system was indeed communication, as it facilitated the exchange of information and news throughout the empire. However, there is no information provided about whether all Inca could use the roads for trading goods or if travelers had to pay a toll to access the roads.