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The Inca Military
The Inca Empire didn’t become so expansive and powerful just because it was full of skilled farmers. Far from it.
The empire boasted a strong military that was not to be trifled with. But the duties of an Inca footsoldier extended beyond showing up to fight. More on that in just a second.
The Incan military was as organized as it was powerful. It consisted of nearly 200,000 soldiers that served as a public service organization, bringing food and materials from one region of the country to another and trained specialists who would contribute to the growth of the empire.
Commanders were usually members of Incan royalty, but some had ascended the ranks because of their talent and devotion to the emperor.
Commanders especially had to deal with the logistical problems of the roads and supplies and calculate the most efficient way to get their men across the country.
The policy at the time was to fight only if it was unavoidable, and that meant that the commander had to ensure a deployment of superior manpower to that of the enemy, and yet not waste resources by sending too many men.
If the occasion was important enough, the emperor himself assumed command of a campaign.
What Serving In The Inca Military Meant
Military training was a bi-monthly affair. New soldiers began their careers as early as ten years of age. The training program consisted of wrestling, weight training, and shooting with a sling.
Each area of training allowed the Incan commanders to size up the talents of each candidate soldier. Depending on what the soldiers in training proved to be good at, they could end up being specialists in building, stonemasonry, bridge engineering, or assault leaders.
Village elders kept a close eye on the little soldiers’-to-be, reporting on their progress. The military drafted them as either warriors, carriers, or craftsmen.
Short-term service drafting ensured that there was plenty of manpower in each district. The periods of service depended on the climate. And not all men got to go back to civilian life.
If you displayed exceptional aptitude as a soldier, that is, if you were outstandingly brave, the most disciplined, the most adept at fighting, you were likely to serve in the military permanently.
Weapons of Inca Valor
Armed with Bronze Age technology, sling shooters were the most deadly and mos valuable ranged fighters.
Don’t forget that the “slingshots” of the ancient world were nothing like the slingshots of today. Those old-world slings could deliver a stone or a lead ball with such force, that it was on part with a bullet. Sling missiles shattered bones and ruptured internal organs, again, just like bullets.
Sling missiles around the world have been recovered with inscriptions on them that translate into such things as “Catch!” and “Ouch!”
Bows were part of the equipment of Inca fighters, but they weren’t as deadly for sheer force as the sling.
There were, of course, short swords, spears, lances, and battle-axes. The weapons of Incan lords were decorated with gold or silver.
The tips of some arrows and spears were made of bone or copper.
Helmets were made of wood or skins and decorated with gems and the feathers of birds. Soldiers could be identified readily, since they wore the costume of the province they were from.
Other helmets were made of wood covered with bronze, a quilted tunic, and a quilted shield.
Regular placements of storehouses prevented the need to pillage as soldiers would move throughout the land.
Those ancient soldiers did the job well, since Machu Picchu was never taken by conquerors. You can enjoy seeing the results of their guardianship by contacting a licensed tour operator like TOUR IN PERU and arranging to see Machu Picchu in person.
