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Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire

Abstract

  • Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire reveals the beauty and the ingenuity of this little-known jewel of the Inca Empire.

    Located down the Huatanay River Valley by the Inca capital of Cusco, Tipon is a 500-acre, self-contained, walled settlement that served as an estate for Inca nobility. This historic agricultural site, which has been farmed and partially irrigated for more than 450 years, is a stunning civil engineering achievement by the Inca, who were masters of irrigation and hydraulic technology. They designed buildings, waterworks, and massive structures to be visually and functionally in harmony with the natural environment. In planning a place that would integrate water, soil, agriculture, and topography, the Inca created a virtual water garden that impresses all who visit. Wright takes readers on a tour of Tipon's canals, plazas, aqueducts, and fountains—infrastructure that transformed a remote mountainside into a true engineering marvel.

    Along with a detailed walking guide and beautiful photographs, this book provides modern engineers and casual tourists alike with an appreciation of the Inca civilization through the great works they left behind.

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Front Matter
i–ix
    Chapter 1:
    Tipon: Estate for Inca Nobility
    x–11
      Chapter 2:
      Civil Engineering Planning
      12–19
        Chapter 3:
        Ancient Climate
        20–31
          Chapter 4:
          The Central Terraces
          32–42
            Chapter 5:
            Hydrology of Tipon
            44–51
              Chapter 6:
              Tipon's Canal System
              52–63
                Chapter 7:
                Hydraulic Engineering
                64–73
                  Chapter 8:
                  Buildings and Structures
                  74–83
                    Chapter 9:
                    Outer Wall and Cruzmoqo
                    84–89
                      Chapter 10:
                      Inca Design and Construction Technology
                      90–105
                        Chapter 11:
                        The Inca Heritage
                        106–121
                          Chapter 12:
                          Walking Tour of Tipon
                          122–139
                            FREE
                            Index
                            151–153
                              FREE
                              Back Matter
                              141–Plate 8