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Did you know that the Inca Empire, known as Tahuantinsuyo, was ruled by 14 Incas before the arrival of the Spanish? Each of these leaders left their mark on the history of the empire. In this article, we will explore who the 14 Incas were and what their contribution was to the development of Tahuantinsuyo.
Manco Capac is considered the founder of the Inca Empire. According to legend, he and his sister Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca on a mission to find a place to establish their kingdom.
After travelling through the Andes, they founded the city of Cuzco, which was to become the heart of the empire. He was the builder of the first temple of worship to the Sun God (Inticancha).
If you want to know more about the creation of the Inca Empire you can read The legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo or the legend of the Ayar brothers.
Sinchi Roca, the second Inca, is known for consolidating his father’s power and expanding the Inca territory. He introduced the practice of wearing cotton tunics, Inca ornaments such as the Mascaipacha and the system of roads connecting nearby villages.
Lloque Yupanqui, the third Inca, was a peaceful leader. He focused on strengthening the economy through agriculture and trade, and built irrigation canals to improve agricultural production. He was elected during a meeting of the noble ayllus of Paruro.
Mayta Capac, the fourth Inca, was an outstanding warrior. He significantly expanded the Inca territory, defended his kingdom from invaders and integrated what was once the citadel of Tiahuanaco, consolidating the military power of the empire.
Capac Yupanqui, the fifth Inca, is known for his conquests and the expansion of the empire to the north. He established new cities and improved the infrastructure of the kingdom. He came to power through a plot against his cousin Tarco Huamán (legitimate heir to the throne).
Inca Roca, the sixth Inca, focused on education. He founded the first school for the Inca nobility, where mathematics, astronomy and government were taught. He also improved the defences of Cusco and is credited with creating architectural works such as water canals.
At the beginning he had to face the rebellion of the Mascas, whom he defeated by taking the leader prisoner.
Yahuar Huácac, the seventh Inca, had a tumultuous reign. He was captured by enemies in his youth, but escaped and regained the throne. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and challenges to his authority from the curacas of Muyna and Pinahua. During his rule the empire expanded towards Arequipa.
Inca Viracocha, the eighth Inca, was a brilliant strategist. He expanded the empire significantly through alliances and conquests. He also improved Inca agriculture and infrastructure. However, he was overthrown by his own son, Pachacutec.
Pachacutec, the ninth Inca, is considered one of the greatest leaders of the empire. He transformed Cusco into an impressive city, built Machu Picchu, reorganised the empire into four kingdoms, created a caste to control the administration and established a common language. His vision and leadership brought Tahuantinsuyo to its peak.
Amaru Inca Yupanqui, the tenth Inca, continued the expansion of the empire begun by his father, Pachacutec. He explored distant territories, even exploring the Pacific coast. His reign was notable for the expansion and strengthening of the empire.
It is said that in the first years of his reign he was replaced by his brother Tupac Yupanqui due to his lack of war skills.
Even as an heir and later as Inca, he led campaigns of conquest and exploration. Thanks to Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the Tahuantinsuyo reached its greatest extension in the region of Chile.
Huayna Capac, ruled during a period of great prosperity where the greatest expansion of the Tahuantinsuyo was reached, reaching an army of 20 thousand men of war without counting cargo and kitchen. However, his unexpected death caused a civil war between his sons, Huascar and Atahualpa, weakening the empire just before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Huascar inherited an empire in crisis. He was designated as successor by the nobles of Cuzco (Orejones). His conflict with his brother Atahualpa led to a devastating civil war that fractured the empire and made it vulnerable to Spanish conquest.
Atahualpa won the civil war against his brother Huascar. However, his reign was short-lived, as he was captured and executed by the Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro.
The story of The 14 Incas is a fascinating journey through time, showing how each leader contributed to the rise and fall of the Inca empire. From Manco Capac, the founder, to Atahualpa, the last defender of the empire, these leaders left an indelible mark on the history of the Andes and the world.
If you want to explore the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo and you are looking for accommodation near the main square, Cusco Lodge Hotel Boutique is your ideal choice, see our rooms here and book from our website or by Whatsapp.
Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash, either in US dollars or the Peruvian currency, soles. Likewise, we have bank accounts in both currencies, American dollars and Peruvian soles.
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