Great Inka Road

This compelling collection of essays explores theQhapaq nan(or Great Inca Road), an extensive network of trails reaching modern-day Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. These roads and the accompanying agricultural terraces and structures that have survived for more than six centuries are a testament to the advanced engineering and construction skills of the Inca people. TheQhapaq nanalso spurred an important process of ecological and community integration across the Andean region. This book, the companion volume to a National Museum of the American Indian exhibition of the same name, features essays on six main themes: the ancestors of the Inca, Cusco as the centre of the empire, road engineering, road transportation and integration, the road in the Colonial era and the road today. Beautifully designed and featuring more than 225 full-colour illustrations,The Great Inka Roadis a fascinating look at this enduring symbol of the Andean peoples' strength and adaptability.