The Chimu civilization, which thrived in northern Peru from around the 10th to the 15th century, had significant influences on the Inca, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, administration, and culture.
-
Infrastructure: The Chimu were known for their advanced engineering, including the construction of extensive roads and elaborate irrigation systems. When the Inca expanded their empire, they adopted and enhanced these infrastructural systems to improve communication and trade across vast distances.
-
Administrative Techniques: The Chimu utilized a system of messengers and runners, which the Inca later adopted and integrated into their own administration. This allowed for efficient communication throughout their empire.
-
Cultural Influences: In terms of religion and culture, while the Inca had their own pantheon, they absorbed some deities and practices from the Chimu, including reverence for various gods, although Viracocha was primarily an Inca god.
-
System of Record-Keeping: The Chimu did not create the quipu, which was developed by earlier cultures, but they may have used similar systems for record-keeping. The Inca are well-known for the extensive use of quipus to manage their records and census.
-
Delivery and Storage Systems: The Chimu established posts known as tampus (or tambo), which served as rest stops and storage facilities along their roads. The Inca expanded this system, creating a vast network of tampus throughout their empire to facilitate the movement of goods and armies.
In summary, the Chimu significantly influenced the Inca through their advanced infrastructure, administrative systems, cultural elements, and logistical networks.