The Sapa Inca was the absolute ruler of the empire and accumulated in his power the political, social, military, and economic direction of the State. He ordered and directed the construction of great engineering works, such as Sacsayhuaman, a fortress that took 50 years to complete; or the urban plan of the cities. However, among their most notable works was the network of roads that crossed the entire empire and allowed a rapid journey for the administrators, messengers and armies provided with hanging bridges and tambos. They made sure to always be supplied and well cared for, as is reflected in the construction of storehouses scattered throughout the empire and vast food and resource redistribution systems. The commander and chief of the standing army founded military colonies to expand the culture and control, while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of that network.