Ancient South Asian cities in their regions

The Inka administrative system, centered in Cuzco, was characterized by a hierarchical organization that relied on descendants of past rulers and a sophisticated record-keeping method using knotted cords (khipus). This study reveals how the empire, known as Tawantinsuyu ('the four parts intimately bound together'), maintained control through provincial and local administrative structures. By analyzing khipu records from the Khipu Database, supported by computational tools developed at Harvard University, researchers uncovered insights into the empire's governance, providing a rare glimpse into its complex bureaucracy. The findings highlight Cuzco's role as the political and cultural heart of the Inka Empire, underscoring its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sinopoli, C. M. (2015). Ancient South Asian cities in their regions. The Cambridge World History, 319–342. https://doi.org/10.1017/cho9781139035606.020