Ancient America: Tools and Technology The invention and use of technology is a hallmark of civilizations. How did tools and technology help the ancient Americans make effective use of their environment?

Explore the Odyssey Online Ancient Americas site for examples of Inka technology. 
How was each used?

Rope Bridge

Taccla

Backstrap loom

Raised Bed Farming

Terracing

Quipu

Urpu

Metate

Other

• Compare the ancient American inventions with those of other early civilizations.

• How did each society develop tools for its particular needs?

• The wheel is often mentioned as the sign of a civilized society. Would the wheel have been a useful technology in the Andes?

• What “new” specific tool or technological idea do you think would have been most helpful to the ancient Americans?  Why?

• Design a container for carrying liquid beverages along the Andes roads.

• To see some of these techniques still in use today, go to http://www.waterhistory.org Search by historical era or technology to learn how many cultures solved the problems of getting water to their fields and cities.
  “Water supply and drainage at Machu Picchu”
  “Raised-bed Irrigation at Tiwanaku, Bolivia” near Lake Titicaca