Cusco: Urbanism and Archaeology in the Inka World

Ian Farrington's comprehensive study, 'Cusco: Urbanism and Archaeology in the Inka World,' sheds light on the spatial organization and urban life of Cuzco during the Inca period (AD 1000–1534). The book leverages archaeological data and historical descriptions to reconstruct the city's original physiognomy, which was significantly altered by Spanish remodels. Farrington's analysis covers the city's planning, including canalizing rivers and terracing land, as well as its urban components like the kancha and Inca linear measuring system. While the study provides rich insights into Inca Cuzco, it faces challenges such as inconsistent cartography and a lack of basic general references, which could hinder its accessibility for less familiar readers.

Morgado, P. (2014). Cusco: Urbanism and Archaeology in the Inka World. Hispanic American Historical Review, 94(2), 311–313. https://doi.org/10.1215/00182168-2641343