Inca Civilization (1100-1572)

Introduction to the Inca Civilization

1099

The Inca Civilization was the largest empire to dominate the majority of Western South American being centralized within the Andes Mountains. Its history is portrayed from two perspectives, with its earliest history being expressed through ancient Inca textiles and quipus and its later history being expressed through that of Spanish Conquistadors.
Photo: https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/explorers-discover-an-inca-shrine-where-children-were-sacrificed.aspx

Cuzco Capital Established

1100

Formally lead by Manco Capac, the Incan Civilization established the capital of Cuzco after defeating three small tribes that inhabited the Cuzco Valley. Supposedly, Manco Capac was sent by the god Viracocha who set the prophecy to have the first Incas settle where their golden staff could be driven into the ground. Once found, the Incas defeated the former inhabitants and established Cuzco at the center of three rivers: Huatanay, Tullumayo, and Chunchul.
Photo: https://www.ancient.eu/Cuzco/

Viracocha Inca Reign

1425

The Viracocha Inca initially grew out the capital of Cuzco and are known as the first Incas to inhabit the Cuzco Valley. Their supposed origins come from a cave where four brothers and four sisters were created by the creator god, Viracocha. Their settlement had issues with invaders such as the Chanca, but were initially protected by stone warriors.
Photo: https://historiaperuana.pe/biografia/huiracocha-wiracocha/

Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui's rise to power

1438

During an attack by the neighboring tribe known as the Chanca, the current Inca ruler known as Viracocha Inca fled Cuzco upon the Chanca's invasion. However, an Inca known as Pachacuti stayed behind and stood his ground along other loyal Incas. With help of the Sun god Inti, they formed an army of Inca warriors from rocks and removed the Chanca from Cuzco, thus giving power to Pachacuti.
Photo: http://www.greatthoughtstreasury.com/author/pachacutec-inca-yupanqui-sometimes-referred-pachacuti

Inca Empire Flourishes

1440

With the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the Incan Empire grew spontaneously. Pachacuti reorganized Cuzco by establishing four strong district leaders known as Chinchasuyu, Antisuyu, Kuntisuyu, and Qullasuyu.
Photo: https://www.ancient.eu/Inca_Civilization/

Machu Picchu

1450

Set within the High Andes Mountains of Peru, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui founded this area and claimed it for the Incas as a sacred site for the sun god, Inti. However, some sources believe that Machu Picchu was created for the personal use of Pachacuti himself as a home. Nonetheless, Machu Picchu is a standing estate that shows Inca coordination and their technological advancements.
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

Tupac Yupanqui's Reign

1470

Predecessor to Pachacuti, Tupac Yupanqui was known for conquering the Chimor civilization, who were the largest rival to the Incas, as well as doubling the size of the Inca Empire within his reign by his extensive military conquests. His reign lead to the construction of the Saksaywaman fortress located on a highland above Cuzco.
Photo: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/2307

Chimu Civilization Conquered

1470

The kingdom of Chimor was located within the northern coast of Peru and was known to be the second largest empire within the ancient Andes Mountain Range Civilizations. Much of the Chimu's practices had been adopted by the Incas such as their culture, art and written records. It was Tupac Yupanqui of the Incas who captured Chimu's ruler, Minchancaman, thus making Chimu a state of the Inca Empire.
Photo: https://www.ancient.eu/Chimu_Civilization/

Capture of Pachacamac

1490

The sacred site of Pachacamac was captured during Tupac Yupanqui's military conquests. Many described this historically religious site to be the "Mecca of Peru" due to the pilgrimage it attracted from a variety of cultures. Upon its capturing, the Incas created a temple for the sun god Inti alongside the Pachacamac. Both gods, Inti and Pachamac, were given equal respect and sacrifice, which is rarely found within Inca conquests of Andean cultures.
Photo: https://viajandoalima.com/pachacamac/

Huayna Capac's Reign

1493

Son of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, Huayna Capac was known for his extension of Inca territory within northern present-day Ecuador. Other legacies to his reign include his rebuilding of Quito, who Huayna Capac set as a second capital of the Inca Empire. His death was caused by a contraction of European disease brought by the Spaniard's arrival to South America, thus leaving Inca rule to his sons, Waskar and Atahualpa Inca.
Photo: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-portrait-of-huayna-capac-76394355.html

Inca Civil War

1526

The Inca Dynastic War began due to conflicts residing between power over the Incas between Huascar and Atahualpa. Issues began when Huascar disrespected Atahualpa's captains by sending them back dressed as women and having his messengers killed. Once Atahualpa declared war, both parties suffered casualties in battle, ultimately lowering the power of the Incas. The war ended once Atahualpa's men captured Huascar in battle outside of Cuzco.
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Civil_War

Death of Huascar

1532

Huascar's death was ordered by Atahualpa soon after his capture. Atahualpa demanded his death in fear that his brother would make a deal with the Spanish upon finding out that the Spanish Conquistador's wished to see Huascar. This order also lead to the death of all of Huascar's family members and any of his supporters as reassurance.
Photo: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/huascar-inca.html

Arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors

1532

Francisco Pizarro and his Conquistadors returned to Peru after the Queen of Spain signed a charter allowing them to conquer the Incas. Upon their arrival, the Inca had already suffered from their civil war and the spreading of European disease throughout Central America. In combat, the Conquistadors had a significant military technological advantage over the Incas due to steel armor, long swords, and even horses.
Photo: https://www.howtoperu.com/weapons-and-armor-of-the-spanish-conquistadors/

Massacre at Caxamalca

1532

A conquistador by the name of Hernando de Soto was invited to meet the Inca superior, Atahualpa. Within their interaction, the Inca attempted to be peaceful, but were returned with a message demanding that the empire accepts the rule of King Charles I and convert to Christianity. Once the Inca declined this demand, the Spanish massacred the Incas and captured Atahualpa as a hostage.
Photo: https://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=resources&s=war-dir&f=wars_incas

Atahualpa's Capture and Execution

1533

As prisoner, Atahualpa offered a room full of gold in return for his freedom. However, once the deal had been made, Pizarro's promise proved false and the Conquistadors executed him regardless. This lead the Francisco Pizarro and his conquistadors taking control of the capital of Cuzco and brought upon the demise of the Incas.
Photo: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/atahualpa-execution-granger.html

Inca Final Stand

1536

Once Atahualpa had been dealt with, the Spanish allowed for his brother, Manco Yupanqui, to remain in power while the Spanish dealt with other northern settlements. Manco Inca would successfully reclaim Cuzco from the Spanish, but only for it to be reclaimed soon after, pushing the Incas further up the mountains of Vilcabamba. The last known fortress was captured with Mancos son, Tupac Amaru executed in 1572.
Photo: https://newsofthenewage.wordpress.com/tag/inca-civil-war-and-spanish-conquest/