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Sapa Inca

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Portrait of Mayta Capac, the Fourth Inca King, from a series of historical Inca portraits housed in the Brooklyn Museum.

The Sapa Inca

The Sapa Inca was the ruler of the Inca Empire, also called Tawantinsuyu. People believed the Sapa Inca was the son of Inti, the sun god. This made the Sapa Inca very important to the Inca people.

The Sapa Inca led the country and also took care of religious duties. They lived in Cusco, a beautiful city in the mountains of Peru. The Sapa Inca had many responsibilities, like making laws and building new places.

The story of the Sapa Inca begins around the year 1100 AD. The title passed from one son to the next, like a family tradition. The first leader to use the title Sapa Inca was Inca Roca. The last true Sapa Inca was Atahualpa, who faced new people from far away.

The Sapa Inca was chosen through special tests to show they were strong and wise. Later, rulers often picked their favorite son to help them govern. The main wife of the Sapa Inca was called the coya.

The Sapa Inca had special items, like a scepter and a golden throne. These items showed their important role. Even after they passed away, the Sapa Inca was honored by the people.

Here are some of the early Sapa Incas:

TitleSapa IncaPictureBirthQueenDeath
Inca of CuscoManco Capac (Manqu Qhapaq) c. 1200–1230Considered the son of the sun god IntiMama Ocllo (Mama Uqllu) or Mama Waquc. 1230
Inca of CuscoSinchi Roca (Sinchi Ruq'a) c. 1230–1260Son of Manco CápacMama Cora (Mama Qura)c. 1260
Inca of CuscoLloque Yupanqui (Lluq'i Yupanki) c. 1260–1290Son of Sinchi RocaMama Cahua (Mama Qawa)c. 1290
Inca of CuscoMayta Capac (Mayta Qhapaq) c. 1290–1320Son of Lloque YupanquiMama Takukarayc. 1320
Inca of CuscoCapac Yupanqui (Qhapaq Yupanki) c. 1320–1350Son of Mayta CápacMama Chimpu Qurihillpayc. 1350

The Sapa Inca guided the Inca Empire through many years, helping the people live together and grow.

Images

Portrait of Inca Roca, one of the Inca kings, from the Brooklyn Museum's historical art collection.
Portrait of Yawar Waqaq, the Seventh Inca ruler, from a series of Inca king portraits housed in the Brooklyn Museum.
Portrait of Viracocha, the Eighth Inca King, from the Brooklyn Museum's historical art collection.
A 17th-century portrait painting of Pachacútec, the Ninth Inca emperor, created in the Cuzco School style.
Portrait of the Inca leader Túpac Yupanqui
Portrait of Inca ruler Huayna Cápac, an important figure in ancient South American history.
Portrait of Waskhar, a historical figure from Peru's Incan period, depicted in traditional attire.
Portrait of Atahualpa, a historical leader from South America.

Related articles

Manco Cápac
Mama Uqllu
Sinchi Roca
Lloque Yupanqui
Mayta Cápac
Inca Empire

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Sapa Inca, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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