After weeks of studying and looking at ancient ruins one question has repeatedly popped into my head; with all the labor required to build grand cities and roads, what kind of economy did the Incan Empire have? I look at these sites from Pachacamak, to Saqsaywaman, to Machu Picchu and wonder how enough labor was ever supplied to complete such a task. Slaves may have helped but Analee Newitz explains in her article that evidence suggests they were well fed and that a market economy did not exist in the Incan empire.
To my knowledge no attempt of communism has ever been successful, but the Incan empire might have been the first. As we have read, textiles and ceramics were used for trading, but no trading existed between the Incan People. There was also no currency. My understanding of how wealth could be gained or lost without currency or trade confuses me. At the same time the Incas payed a very expensive tax. This tax was there labor, and the things they needed were given to them in return for their work
Even if adequate research existed, there will always be the debate of communism in the Incan empire, not to mention slavery. It is known that the Incas were a conquering society, but how did they treat there newly conquered people? How much of their engineering and building success can be attributed to forced labor? It almost feels sacrilegious to ask, but when staring at Machu Picchu, could we be admiring the work of slaves. I’m glad to know there is no evidence of malnourished slaves, but with no written records how sure can we be. The Incas are admired as the greatest ancient civilization in South America, but I imagine that perspective would change if evidence of forced labor surfaced.
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I still could not be happier with my decision to study abroad. This trip has taught and stretched me in ways I could have never imagined. Living alongside 8 classmates, sleeping, riding, and eating with them everyday has been an awesome way to get to know knew people. The memories made here will never be forgotten. Michael and I were talking last night about the first few days we were here, and the simple memory of trying a granadilla for the first time stood out from the first day. There has been times when everyone has not liked the particular situation they were in, but a trip like this makes you persevere because you can't just quit and go home.
This class has definitely stretched me as well. I have never been one to ponder art more than a few seconds, but this class has forced me to think beyond the initial thoughts and find reason and purpose in what I am looking at. I know now when visiting places, I will probably be more interested in the history, rather than just going to say I have been there.
It seems like we left Atlanta a long time ago, but at the same time it has flown by. I am thankful to Dr. Brown and everyone else who made this trip special. I hope the group has a safe flight tonight and receives some much needed rest. Davis, Joey, and I arrived in Huarez this morning around 6:15 and are now settled into the hostel. See y'all back in Midgetville.
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