Construction Materials

Sand
Small Rock
Topsoil
Large Rock

Build Your Own Terrace

Heavy rainfall on steep mountain slopes causes landslides and erosion. To decrease the force of water, Inka engineers built terraces, with a sophisticated drainage system to control the flow.

Terracing was a sophisticated Inka technology, involving elaborate work below the surface.

Select and drag materials from the menu and place them in the correct order. Push the test button that appears when all 4 materials have been added. Then play the video to watch your results.

  • Start Building

Test Your Terrace

Now that you have added all the materials to the terrace, let's see if your terrace is stable.

  • Test Your Terrace

CONGRATULATIONS

You've engineered a stable terrace just like the Inka.

After constructing the walls, the Inka filled the interior with a layer of rocks, a layer of smaller rocks, a layer of sand, and finally a deep layer of fertile topsoil.

  • 360° Terrace View
  • Try Again

YOUR TERRACE FAILED

Terracing was a sophisticated Inka technology, involving elaborate work below the surface.

After constructing the walls, the Inka filled the interior with a layer of rocks, a layer of smaller rocks, a layer of sand, and finally a deep layer of fertile topsoil.

  • 360° Terrace View
  • Try Again

360° View

Explore this panoramic image by swiping right or left. Look for the Inka terraces built into the steep hillside as well as the contemporary town of Pisac in the agricultural valley below. Near the town, look for the effects of erosion on the mountainside that does not have terraces.

  • Continue

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