Encoded Landscapes: A Link between Inka Wall Orientations and Andean Geomorphology

Nicolás Palacios-Prado (), Fabiola Corominas-Sustach, Andrés Pérez, Danilo Verdugo and Tomaž Podobnikar
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Nicolás Palacios-Prado: Código Andino Foundation, Paine 9540000, Chile
Fabiola Corominas-Sustach: Código Andino Foundation, Paine 9540000, Chile
Andrés Pérez: Código Andino Foundation, Paine 9540000, Chile
Danilo Verdugo: Department of Geospatial and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
Tomaž Podobnikar: Faculty of Information Studies in Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-25

Abstract: While some Inka structures and motifs align with astronomical and horizon markers, a significant portion of their constructions exhibit different patterns. We examined the potential correlation between the orientation patterns of the Inka walls and Andean geomorphology, aiming to uncover the extent to which the physical landscape guided these ancient architectural design methodologies. Using geospatial technology and specially developed peak detection and recognition software, we extensively and meticulously analyzed over 40,000 m of surveyed Inka walls and 20,000 mountain peaks across 11 distinct geographical areas. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between key wall orientations and the parallel peak alignment of the Andean Mountain Range. This suggests a purposeful encoding of landscape orientations into Inka architecture. These findings propose a novel perspective on the intricate relationship between Inka culture and the Andean highlands’ topography. Furthermore, this research introduces a distinctive methodological approach to exploring the impact of natural landscapes on architectural planning, establishing a foundation for comparative studies among other ancient civilizations.

Keywords: Inka architecture; geospatial analysis; Andean geomorphology; mountain-peak alignment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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