_How Tupac Inca Yupanqui marched by the coast valleys, and how all the
Yuncas came under his dominion._
As the King Tupac Inca had determined to go to the coast valleys, to
bring the inhabitants under his sway, he descended to that of Tumbez,
and was respectfully received by the people; to whom he showed much
kindness, and put on the dress which they usually wore, to give them
more contentment. He commended the principal men for wishing to receive
him as their lord without going to war, and promised to look upon them
as his own children. They, being well satisfied to hear his good words
and to see the way in which he treated them, gave their obedience in
good faith, allowing governors to remain with them, and buildings to be
erected. But some Indians affirm that Tupac Inca passed on without
making any settlement in this district, and that there was none until
the reign of Huayna Ccapac. If we attend to everything they say, we
shall never come to any conclusion.
Leaving this valley, the Inca visited the others on the sea coast,
making a royal road as he travelled, very large and grand, as may be
seen from what now remains of it. In most parts he was served, and the
people came to him with presents, but occasionally there was resistance
to his advance. However, there was no part where the people did not
eventually submit and become his vassals. In these valleys he rested for
some days, drinking and enjoying his pleasures, while he rejoiced to
look upon the beauty of the country. Great edifices and temples were
built by his order. They say that in the valley of Chimu there was a
fierce war with the lord, and that, in one battle, the Incas were very
nearly being defeated at all points. But his soldiers were at last able
to prevail and to conquer their enemies. Tupac Inca, by his clemency,
pardoned them, ordering that those who remained alive should continue
the sowing of their lands, and should not again take up arms. The Inca’s
delegate remained in Chimu, and the rest of the valley sent their
tribute to Caxamalca. As the natives were expert in the working of
metals, many were sent to Cuzco, and to the capitals of provinces, where
they worked gold and silver ornaments and vases, and any other things
that were ordered.[218] From Chimu the Inca passed on to
Parmunquilla[219] where he ordered a fortress to be built. It may still
be seen, though abandoned and in ruins.
These Yuncas were very refined, and the lords were luxurious and fond of
festivities. They travelled on the shoulders of vassals, had many women,
were rich in gold and silver, cloth, precious stones, and flocks. In
those times they were served with much pomp. Heralds and buffoons went
before them, porters attended on them, and they observed religious
ceremonies. Some voluntarily submitted to the Inca, while others took up
arms against him; but finally he remained sovereign and lord over the
whole of them. He did not deprive them of their liberties, nor prohibit
their ancient customs, so that they might adopt others. He left expert
men who could instruct them in all that the Inca desired they should
understand; and great care was taken that they should learn the general
language. He caused _mitimaes_ to be established, and posts along the
roads. A moderate tribute was imposed, and that which was given as
tribute was to be the produce of their own land, so that the people need
not seek it from afar; justice was maintained, but what was promised by
the people must be fulfilled. If not, the loss was their own, and the
Inca recovered his full revenue. No native lord received a lordship; but
many men were taken out of the valleys and removed to others, or were
removed to other parts to perform the duties they understood.
The Inca marched through the remaining valleys in the best order
possible, not permitting any injury whatever to be done, either in the
towns or in the fields that he passed. The natives had plenty of
provisions collected in the storehouses that had been built along the
road. In this way the Inca advanced until he arrived at the valley of
Pachacamac, where was the very ancient and sacred temple of the Yuncas,
which he wished very much to see. When he arrived at that valley, they
say that he only wished that there should be a Temple of the Sun; but as
he found that the existing temple was so revered and esteemed by the
natives, he did not venture to alter anything. He contented himself with
causing a great house of the Sun to be made, with mama-conas and
priests, that sacrifices might be offered up in accordance with his
religion.[220] Many Indians say that the Inca himself spoke with the
devil who was in the idol of Pachacamac, and that he heard how the idol
was the creator of the world and other nonsense, which I do not put
down, because it is not worth while. It is also said that the Inca
besought the idol to tell him with what service he would be most pleased
and honoured, and that the devil replied that they should sacrifice to
him much blood of human beings and of sheep.
After this they say that great sacrifices were offered up in Pachacamac
by Tupac Inca Yupanqui, and great festivals were celebrated. The Inca
then returned to Cuzco by a road which he made, crossing the snowy range
of Pariacaca,[221] and coming out in the valley of Xauxa. It is no small
sight to behold the grandeur of that range, and what great terraces it
has, and to this day men pass by that snow-covered region. Visiting the
mountainous provinces, and ordering and providing what was most
conducive to good government, the Inca arrived at Cuzco, where he was
received with great festivities and dances, while many sacrifices were
offered up in the temple, to commemorate his victories.