Chasqui Runners

Chasqui runners were mainly used for delivering messages, letters, gifts, etc. To become a Chasqui runner is not an easy job, because the job requires someone who has to be athletic, they must be able to run thousands of miles in a week or two. The roads were rocky, and if you made one mistake while running up a mountain you will plummet into the ground. They were very talented, for they ran thousands of miles and still delivered a message in a week. The Chasqui runners had purposely built roads just for them, and on these roads they would have little place where the Chasqui runners could rest, eat, and drink water. The Chasqui runners run a long distance then pass the mail to the next Chasqui runner, and then the next Chasqui is off. 

When the Chasqui passes the mail to the next Chasqui he may take a break, until the next Chasqui runner comes and gives him a message. The Chasqui runners carry a Qipi, Quipu, and Pututu. A Qipi is a place where objects are stored, a Quipu is where information is stored, and a Pututu is a trumpet that signals the other Chasqui runners so they can get ready to run and pass the objects. The Casquis also had bridges when they need to go past water and cliffs, which shows you how bad the terrain is.

If you wanted to become a Chasqui you will have to go through a series of races and stages to tryout to be a Chasqui runner. You get trained at a young age and that’ll be something you do your entire life, unless you are unable to run.

Chasqui runners could run almost 242 km a day. They were the best of the best, and the path they ran on were many km long. The Chasquis (Chasqui runners) were a big, huge part of the empire. If there were no Chasquis the empire would crumble, because if there is a war and another empire is attacking the Chasquis need to run to the capital and war all. They would also tell the emperor to send more troops immediately.

The Chasquis chewed cocoa leaves, for the high altitudes cause hunger and thirst. When eating cocoa leaves it makes you more resistant to cold, hunger, tiredness, and thirst.

The Chasqui relay system was so good, that they could take one day to run 250 miles. And run 1,250 miles in 5 days. The Romans thought 100 miles a day was good, but 250 miles is amazing.

Citations:

Ancient Americas Chasquis. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2010. <http://home.comcast.net/~DiazStudents/

     AncientAmericaIncasChasquis.jpg>.

"Chaski." wikipedia. N.p., 14 Jan. 2010. Web. 21 Jan. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

     Chaski>.

The Chasqui- Athlete of the Andes; The Inca Speed Messenger. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2010.

     <http://inca-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_chasqui_athlete_of_the_andes>.

The Inca Civilization; The Inca Trail, Andean Inca road system. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2010.

     <http://www.rediscovermachupicchu.com/inca-trail.htm>.