Raqchi, Inca civilization, Peru cover photo - 107392358

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Raqch`i Quechua is an Inca archaeological site in Peru located in the Cusco Region, Canchis Province. It also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, one of its constituents. The Inka site at Raqch`i was a primary control point on a road system that originated in Cusco and expanded as the Inka empire grew. It is located in a valley known for sacred sites. Most of the Inka structures are enclosed by a 4 km-long perimeter wall, but just outside it, on the Inka road that entered Raqch`i from Cusco, an enclosure with eight rectangular buildings around a large courtyard was probably a tampu a lodging house for travellers. The complex of Raqch`i consists of several different areas each designated with a specific function. Some have noted that these buildings may have been for religious and administrative officials. Others speculate that these buildings, paired with the scale of defenses may have been used as barracks to house troops.Nearby are approximately 220 circular buildings, likely used as storehouses, called qullqas. On the nearby hillsides are irrigated terraces which were likely used to keep the qullqas full for those traveling through. Raqch`i also houses a nearby spring and a pool or bath in proximity to the Temple of Wiracocha which could have been used for rituals.