How did the Inca split megaliths out of bedrock?

They would sometimes chisel a line of small holes into the rock, such as this example from Machu Picchu. They would then hammer in wooden wedges, & soak those with water. The wood would then expand, cracking the rock out along the line of holes. This technique was also used by the ancient romans & egyptians.

Source: https://digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/anthpubs/ucb/text/nap021-006.pdf

#acheology #inca #masonry #peru #history #southamerica

“Italian archaeologists are hailing a recent discovery as the ‘most exceptional’ in the last half-century. They believe it could rewrite the history of the relationship between the Etruscan and Roman civilizations.“ https://www.npr.org/2022/12/03/1138904735/italy-ancient-bronze-statues-discovery-tuscany

#acheology #italy #etruscan #roman #tuscany