Cuzco, Capital of the Incas essays

Cuzco, Capital of the Incas essays The Incas called their nation the "Land of the Four Quarters" or Tahuantinsuyu and was the center of Inca life and the home of its leaders. Situated in the Peruvian Andes, under the Inca ruler Pachacutec it developed into a complex urban center with distinct religious and administrative functions, surrounded by clearly delineated areas for agriculture, artists, and industry. The Inca city had the shape of a Puma, a feline that was considered a special deity among the Quechuas. The fortress of Sacsahuaman represents the head of the puma. The heart of the puma is represented by the main square of Huacaypata. The tail of the puma represents the convergence of the Huatanay and Tullumayo rivers. Its streets were narrow, usually straight and duly paved. The building walls of the central zone of the city were made of carved stones, but the suburbs had walls made of adobe. Their roofs were made of straw. Houses did not have many doors or windows so as to maintain the temperature during cold seasons. Clean water flowed through the rivers' beds and was consumed by the population. Life in the city centered on the great Square. The most important political and religious ceremonies were held in the great Square. The most important buildings were located around the Square, particularly the palaces. Each palace occupied a wide territory, almost an entire block and housed the Inca's entire family (parents, sisters and brothers, uncles, etc.). The road network had to allow a fast intercommunication between Cuzco and the entire empire. It was intended to allow territorial integration, after giving security, relaxation and supplies for travelers, official suites or the army. It was supposed to allow an efficient production, gathering, and redistribution of goods and raise tributary resources. Roads and paths had different categories, functions, and characteristics according to their duties and the territory where they were locat...