The roads of power and the paths of the people: Reconfiguring communities and territories from pre-Hispanic Andean roads to modern Peruvian highways

Abstract

The narrative that attributes the Inca road system solely to state administrative purposes is simplistic. This paper challenges that perspective, emphasizing the significant role of local populations in shaping these networks. By introducing the concepts of “trace” and “route,” it reveals how roads reflect both short-term adjustments and the long-term construction of territorial dynamics. The analysis argues against viewing road networks as solely driven by centralized state policies, urging a more nuanced understanding of the complex and ongoing negotiations involving various actors. The paper contends that the oversimplification of road networks as products of centralized decisions neglects the dynamic role of local communities in their establishment, maintenance, and use. The paper concludes by advocating for a systemic approach to studying road networks, acknowledging the multifaceted factors influencing their development and emphasizing the role of local communities in constructing the cultural landscape and territory over time.