Final answer:
Both the Inca and Roman empires excelled in the construction of sophisticated road systems and aqueducts, which were essential for their expansion and management. They also implemented advanced urban planning methods that accommodated their empire's unique topographical challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both the Inca Empire and the Roman Empire are renowned for their innovations in engineering and infrastructure, which facilitated the management and expansion of their vast territories. One of the primary innovations used by both empires was their extensive and strategically constructed road systems. The Romans developed a vast network of paved highways that connected Europe, Africa, and parts of the Middle East, while the Inca built an elaborate road system with roads carved into mountains, facilitating travel in difficult terrains such as the Andes. In addition, both empires demonstrated advanced capabilities in aqueduct construction, with the Romans developing water-resistant cement for their aqueducts and the Inca creating a sophisticated network for water supply despite lacking a writing system.
Another notable similarity is in their approach to urban planning. While the Romans embraced the Hippodamian grid plan for their cities and castra, characterized by straight streets and right angles, the Inca incorporated large mountain ranges, canyons, and valleys into their urban designs, developing complex road and bridge systems that catered to the challenging topography within their domain. These road systems were crucial for the movement of armies and goods, thus enabling efficient control over their extensive empires.