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Llama Pack-Transport System

Type Object Region Andes Time -3500

The llama, a South American camelid domesticated in the Andean highlands, became the most important pack animal, carrying tribute, salt, textiles, an…

Timeline

  1. -3500–1200Central Peruvian highlands · PeruAndean peoples domesticated the ancestors of guanaco and vicuña, breeding llamas and alpacas used as pack animals in intertribal trade and migration, transporting potatoes, maize, and handicrafts.
  2. c. 1320–1438Cusco · Cusco RegionThe Kingdom of Cusco standardized caravan formation and tribute routes in the 14th century, with llamas becoming the core transport linking valleys, salt fields, and mining districts, laying the foundation for imperial logistics.
  3. c. 1438–1533North–south Andean trade routes · AndesThe Inca integrated llama transport with roads and relay stations; imperial military expeditions and provincial tribute both depended on caravans. After the conquest the Spanish introduced mules and horses, but highland communities continued the llama-transport tradition.

Sources