Chasqui

The ''chasquis'' (also ) were the messengers of the Inca empire. Agile, highly trained and physically fit, they were in charge of carrying the , messages and gifts, up to 240 km per day through the relay system. ''Chasquis'' were not just messengers (those were young boys who were just used to pass along basic information); the were trained to be able to read and translate the to each other and higher authorities. Not only were they used to transport oral messages, but they also helped the inspector general, the Sapa Inka's brother, keep track of the people in the empire. Chasquis were chosen from the fittest young males and were known to be the fastest runners.

Operation

''Chasquis'' were dispatched along thousands of kilometres, taking advantage of the vast Inca system of purpose-built roads and rope bridges in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador. On the coast of what is now Peru their route ran from Nazca to Tumbes. ''Chasqui'' routes also extended into further reaches of the empire into parts of what are now Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

'' Tambos'', or relay stations, were used for the to stop at and transfer messages to the next . There were different sizes and levels of tambos and each one was assigned a different use. The use of the depended on what route it was on and who was allowed to use it, but the majority of them were just to pass the messages along because there were other structures that the used for rest and shelter called . ''Chasquis'' would start at one and run to the next where a rested was waiting to carry the message to the next .

Consignment

Each carried two items, a and a . A was used to store and transport information through a system of knotted strings that represented different things based on the kind, color, number of strings, etc. The were able and allowed to read, translate, and transfer the information on the . The could not be read unless the was there with the oral message and translation because some of the information was told orally that went along with the . The was a conch shell used as a trumpet, used to signal to other that one runner was close, so that they could prepare to run.

Modern day

There are several paths and preserved that were used by the that still stand today. There are trails that allow one to travel along these paths and to experience the distance and terrain that the traveled. Most of the paths are places that were used by the Inca but there are other sections that are assumed to be Inca paths that have not been confirmed or denied. Most of the paths contain Inca rope bridges, which were skillfully constructed by Inca people by using strands of vegetation that were woven together and reinforced by wood and stones. They were frequently used by runners delivering messages throughout the Inca Empire. Many of these bridges are still intact and can be walked across without fear of them breaking because of how durable they are. There are also many races run on these paths.

See also

* Chasqui I
* Tambo (Incan structure)
* Inca road system

References

{{reflist

Inca society
Postal systems
Obsolete occupations