The Incas

Bill Ellis

The Incas used several types of bridges that were constructed according to local terrain and building materials.

Bridges ranged from ones constructed from simple logs to others that were more complex. The Inca also used cantilevered types, some of which are still used today.

Other complex bridges included suspension and even pontoon bridges, which were made of balsa wood and fiber.

The most famous pontoon bridge was on Lake Titicaca. Built over 800 years ago, this bridge was used into 1875.

Some of the Incan suspension bridges were hung on ropes as thick as a human body. Workers made the ropes from agave and aloe plants at the bridge sites.

The Inca roads had more than 40 large bridges and over 100 smaller bridges.

Some of the larger bridges were over 150 feet long. The bridge at San Luis Rey has been called the most spectacular engineering feat in the Americas. It lasted from 1400 AD to 1880.

Tolls were often charge to cross these bridges. In addition, the Inca imposed the death penalty on anyone who damaged a bridge. The people paid their taxes by helping to maintain the bridges.

Construction of suspension bridges did not begin in Europe until 1810.

Wado



Boiled fish
Cut up a potato, some fish and an onion. Boil until the potatoes are done.