Building, Art, and Oral Literature

 Building

The Incas are known for their massive buildings and forts made of huge, stone blocks. Workers cut the blocks so precisely that they didn't have to use cement to hold them together. Inca masonry, or stonework, was of such high quality that even today it is nearly impossible to fit a knife blade between the stones. In fact, many Inca buildings in Cuzco are still being used. The Incas also built a system of very good roads in their empire. Two major highways that ran the length of the empire formed the basis of the system. Roads paved with stone crossed mountains and deserts. With these roads and rope bridges spanning rivers and canyons, the Incas connected all parts of the empire. 

Art 

The Incas produced works of art as well. Artisans made gold and silver jewelry and offerings to the gods.

Oral Literature 

While archaeologists have found many Inca artifacts, there are no written records about the empire produced before the Spanish conquest. Instead, Incas passed down stories and songs orally. Incas sang about daily life and military victories. Official "memorizers" learned long poems about Inca legends and history. After the conquistadors came, some Incas learned how to speak and write in Spanish. They wrote about Inca legends and history. We know about the Incas from these records and from the stories that survive in the songs, dances, and religious practices of people in the region today.