Tambos in Inca Administration: Key Support Stations

What function did tambos serve in Inca administration?

A) They underscored the identification of the Inca with the chief god
B) They provided defense
C) They supported communication routes throughout the empire
D) They reinforced social distinctions to preserve order

Answer:

Tambos served a critical role in Inca administration by supporting communication routes throughout the empire.

Tambos in Inca administration functioned as support stations for the vast road network, aiding in communication and transportation across the empire. These tambos were essentially relay stations situated at regular intervals along the extensive Inca road network.

The empire's road and bridge system was a triumph of engineering, stretched over diverse terrains including mountains, canyons, and deserts. It was crucial for enabling Inca armies to move and for transporting goods to various parts of the empire into imperial storehouses.

Tambos provided places where travelers could rest and where authorities stored food, weapons, and housed garrisons. This intricate system helped with the effective governance of a territory that spanned from modern Colombia to southern Chile and promoted integration of the empire's varied regions and people.