Inca Engineering

What was the primary purpose of the terraces at Machu Picchu?

• For large-scale farming

• To hold the mountain in place

• For decorative purposes

• To serve as living areas

How much rain does Machu Picchu average per year?

• About 76 inches

• About 50 inches

• About 30 inches

• About 100 inches

What would happen if the rainwater at Machu Picchu was left unmanaged?

• It would create beautiful waterfalls

• It would increase agricultural productivity

• It would have no effect

• It would turn the hillsides to mud

What is found beneath the topsoil in the terraces?

• A layer of bedrock

• A layer of sandy dirt

• A layer of limestone

• A layer of clay

What is the function of the gravel and larger stones in the terraces?

• To beautify the area

• To attract tourists

• To aid in water filtration

• To support structures

How did the Inca engineers prevent flooding in the terraces?

• By using waterproof materials

• By building walls around the terraces

• By diverting water to nearby rivers

• By filtering water through layers of material

What was a major challenge for the Inca engineers in the city area?

• Lack of skilled labor

• Managing large volumes of rainwater

• The threat of enemy attacks

• Finding enough stone for construction

What did the Inca place beneath the usual layers to handle water?

• A thick layer of white granite chips

• A thick layer of blue slate chips

• A thick layer of black marble chips

• A thick layer of red sandstone chips

What was the spoil from years of Inca stone cutting used for?

• To create jewelry

• To build an underground drainage system

• To construct roads

• To build statues

How many drains were carefully placed throughout the city during construction?

• About 50

• More than 100

• Exactly 200

• Less than 30