The Inca Roads

The Inca Empire was a huge civilization in South America long ago. The Inca people built some of the best roads in the ancient world. Their roads went over tall mountains, through forests, and across deserts. The roads helped the empire stay connected. People still walk on some Inca roads today.

Building the Roads

The Inca built more than 25,000 miles of roads. They made roads from stone, carefully fitting each piece together. Some roads had steps carved into steep mountains. Others had bridges made of woven grass that hung over rivers. The Inca built everything without using wheels or iron tools.

How They Used Them

Fast runners called chasquis carried messages along the Inca roads. They could send news across the empire in just a few days. Travelers could rest at small buildings called tambos that sat along the roads. Llamas carried food and goods on the paths. The roads kept the whole Inca Empire working smoothly.

Fun Facts

• Some Inca grass bridges are still used and rebuilt by people today.
• The Inca road system is now a World Heritage Site.
• Chasqui runners could deliver a fresh fish from the coast to the king in the mountains in just two days.

Did You Know?

The Inca roads were longer than the distance across the United States and were built mostly by workers using hand tools and no modern machines.