Inca Agriculture

The Incan Empire, at its peak, extended over 2,600 miles of South America spanning almost the entire western coast of the continent (D’altroy 3). A large portion of its kingdom was mountainous villages and communities, all functioning at altitudes surpassing 13,000 feet (McKay 307). The Inca developed a large empire in the Andes due to the successful management and intelligent use of the land coupled with their unique physiology. Inca farmers were very aware of the environment they lived in and the conditions of it. Their methodology in practice of agriculture was a skill passed down from long ago. The Inca’s farming methods, crops, and landscaping structures had been established by 3,000 B. C. (D'Altroy 36). The Incas optimized the factor of elevation and used it to their advantage. Settlements emerged at more comfortable, temperate altitudes while farming and herding took place at higher and lower altitudes (McKay 301). Varying crops were cultivated at different …show more content…
Throughout the network, maintained communication was with the use of message runners, who on average could cover a distance of “175 miles per day-a remarkable feat of physical endurance” (McKay 307). More remarkable, is that feat accomplished at an altitude of 9-13,000 feet. The Incas possessed an inherent acclimation to the high altitudes. They were “born with significantly greater lung capacity” (Guilmartin). “Andean highlanders tend to be shorter and have larger chest capacities” (D’Altroy 46). This was a major reason the Inca were able to exist in the Andes. The Inca were able to dominate the Andes Mountains due largely to their mastery of the land and adaptive respiratory systems. Having a well-established agriculture system in place and a people acclimated to the surroundings allowed the Inca to remain undisputed in control of the region. The Inca were a dominate civilization in Mesoamerica for