Adapting to the Andes: Terrace Farming
The Incas adapted to the challenging Andes Mountains through terrace farming—carving flat steps into steep mountainsides, reinforcing them with stone walls to prevent erosion, and cultivating hundreds of potato and maize varieties at different altitudes. In Pengi Social Studies (Grade 7), Chapter 8: Civilizations of the Americas, students learn how agricultural innovation created the food surplus that sustained the Inca Empire.
Key Concepts
The Inca Empire rose in the Andes Mountains of South America, one of the harshest environments for a civilization. To farm on steep mountain slopes, the Incas developed Terrace Farming . They carved flat steps into the mountainsides and reinforced them with stone walls.
These terraces prevented rain from washing away the soil and allowed the Incas to grow distinct crops at different altitudes. They cultivated hundreds of varieties of Potatoes and maize. This ability to create a food surplus in a high altitude environment was the foundation of their empire's stability and growth.
Common Questions
What is terrace farming and why did the Incas use it?
Terrace farming involves carving flat steps into steep mountainsides to create farmable land. The Incas developed this technique to farm in the Andes Mountains, preventing soil erosion and enabling crops to grow at different altitudes.
What crops did the Incas grow?
The Incas cultivated hundreds of varieties of potatoes and maize (corn) at various altitudes. Their agricultural diversity allowed them to produce food reliably in the challenging high-altitude Andes environment.
How did terrace farming support the Inca Empire?
Terrace farming created food surpluses in an otherwise inhospitable mountain environment. This reliable food supply was the foundation of the empire's stability, supporting large populations and enabling the government to store food for emergencies.
Where is Inca terrace farming covered in Grade 7 social studies?
Inca terrace farming is covered in Pengi Social Studies (Grade 7), Chapter 8: Civilizations of the Americas.