Khipu and Qhapaq Ñan: The Algorithmic Infrastructure of the Inca Empire

Research reveals that the khipu, a system of knotted cords, and Qhapaq Ñan, an extensive road network, functioned as an integrated 'algorithmic infrastructure' for the Inca Empire. This synergy enabled efficient data encoding, transmission, and resource management across vast territories. The study demonstrates how khipus encoded quantitative and narrative data, while Qhapaq Ñan facilitated rapid movement of records, resources, labor, and military personnel. By analyzing these components as an interconnected system for data processing and command execution, the research offers new insights into Inca statecraft and governance, challenging traditional views that examine them in isolation.

Revista, Z., & HISTORY, 10. (2025). Khipu and Qhapaq Ñan: The Algorithmic Infrastructure of the Inca Empire. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17724769