The Rise and Fall of the Incan Empire
The Incas, also known as the Quechua, were a powerful civilization that dominated the Andes Mountains of South America. They were one of the largest empires in the world at the time, with a population of more than 12 million people. The Incan Empire flourished from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquered them in the 16th century. The Inca people were known for their incredible agricultural practices, which allowed them to feed their large population and build their empire.
The Importance of Agriculture
Agriculture was the backbone of the Incan Empire. The Incas were experts in growing crops in the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains. They developed a system of terraces that allowed them to cultivate crops on steep slopes. They also developed an extensive system of canals and aqueducts to irrigate their crops. The Incas had a deep respect for the earth and believed that it was their duty to care for the land and use it responsibly.
The Three Sisters
The Incas grew a variety of crops, but their most important crops were maize, beans, and squash. These three crops were known as the “Three Sisters” and were grown together in the same field. The maize provided a structure for the beans to climb, while the beans added nitrogen to the soil, which was essential for the growth of the maize. The squash helped to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. The Incas also grew a variety of other crops, including potatoes, quinoa, and tomatoes.
The Incas and Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a modern method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. However, the Incas were using a similar method long before modern hydroponics was invented. The Incas used a system of floating gardens called “chinampas” to grow crops in the shallow waters of Lake Titicaca. These floating gardens were made by layering mud and water plants on top of each other until they formed a floating island. The Incas would then plant their crops in the layers of soil on top of the mud.
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is another modern technique that the Incas used long before it was invented. The Incas built terraces into the sides of the mountains, which allowed them to cultivate crops on multiple levels. This technique maximized the use of space and allowed the Incas to grow more food in less space. The terraces also helped to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture in the soil.
Urban Gardening
Urban gardening is becoming increasingly popular in modern times, but the Incas were doing it long before it became a trend. The Incas built their cities around their agricultural practices, with each city having its own agricultural fields. They also built gardens on roofs and balconies, which allowed them to grow crops in urban areas. This urban gardening helped to provide food for the growing population and reduced the need for transportation of food from rural areas.
Conclusion
The Incas were incredible farmers who developed innovative agricultural practices that allowed them to build a powerful empire. They were experts in growing crops in difficult terrain and developed systems of terraces, canals, and aqueducts to irrigate their crops. They also used modern techniques such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and urban gardening long before they were invented. The Incas had a deep respect for the earth and believed that it was their duty to care for the land and use it responsibly. Their agricultural practices were an essential part of their culture and allowed them to sustain their large population and build their empire.