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

A new perspective challenges the long-held belief that the Inca road system, Qhapaq Ñan, was solely designed for state administration. Research reveals that local populations played a pivotal role in shaping these networks, introducing concepts like 'trace' and 'route' to illustrate how roads reflect both short-term adjustments and long-term territorial dynamics. The study argues against viewing road networks as mere products of centralized policies, instead emphasizing the dynamic negotiations involving multiple actors. By advocating for a systemic approach, it highlights the multifaceted factors influencing road development and underscores the role of local communities in constructing cultural landscapes over time.

Marcone, G. (2025). The roads of power and the paths of the people: Reconfiguring communities and territories from pre-Hispanic Andean roads to modern Peruvian highways. Journal of Social Archaeology, 25(3), 229–252. https://doi.org/10.1177/14696053251348221