son Inca Urco, without regard to the order of succession, because he was
very fond of his mother. This Inca was bold, proud, and despised others,
so that he aroused the indignation of the warriors, more especially of
the legitimate sons, Inca Rocca, who was the eldest, and of the valiant
captains Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau. These took order to prevent this
succession to the Incaship, preferring one of the other brothers, the
best conditioned, who would treat them well and honourably as they
deserved. They secretly set their eyes on the third of the legitimate
sons named Cusi, afterwards called Inca Yupanqui, because they believed
that he was mild and affable, and, besides these qualities, he showed
signs of high spirit and lofty ideas. Apu Mayta was more in favour of
this plan than the others, as he desired to have some one to shield him
from the fury of Viracocha Inca. Mayta thought that the Inca would kill
him because he had seduced a woman named Cacchon Chicya, who was a wife
of Viracocha. Apu Mayta had spoken of his plan and of his devotion to
Cusi, to his colleague Vicaquirau. While they were consulting how it
should be managed, the Chancas of Andahuaylas, thirty leagues from
Cuzco, marched upon that city, as will be narrated in the life of Inca
Yupanqui. Inca Viracocha, from fear of them, fled from Cuzco, and went
to a place called Caquia Xaquixahuana, where he shut himself up, being
afraid of the Chancas. Here he died after some years, deprived of Cuzco
of which his son Cusi had possession for several years before his
father's death. Viracocha Inca was he who had made the most extensive
conquests beyond Cuzco and, as we may say, he tyrannized anew even as
regards Cuzco, as has been said above.
Viracocha lived 119 years, succeeding at the age of 18. He was Ccapac
101 years. He named the _ayllu_, which he left for the continuance of
his lineage, _Socso Panaca Ayllu_, and some are still living at Cuzco,
the heads being Amaru Titu, Don Francisco Chalco Yupanqui, Don Francisco
Anti Hualpa. They are Hanan-cuzcos.
This Inca was industrious, and inventor of cloths and embroidered work
called in their language _Viracocha-tocapu_, and amongst us _brocade_.
He was rich [_for he robbed much_] and had vases of gold and silver. He
was buried in Caquia Xaquixahuana and Gonzalo Pizarro, having heard that
there was treasure with the body, discovered it and a large sum of gold.
He burnt the body, and the natives collected the ashes and hid them in a
vase. This, with the Inca's _guauqui_, called _Inca Amaru_, was found by
the Licentiate Polo, when he was Corregidor of Cuzco.
XXVI.
THE LIFE OF INCA YUPANQUI OR PACHACUTI[78], THE NINTH INCA.
[Note 78: Inca Yupanqui surnamed Pachacuti was the ninth Inca. All
the authorities agree that he dethroned either his father Viracocha, or
his half brother Urco, after his victory over the Chancas, and that he
had a long and glorious reign.]
It is related, in the life of Inca Viracocha, that he had four
legitimate sons. Of these the third named Cusi, and as surname Inca
Yupanqui, was raised to the Incaship by the famous captains Apu Mayta
and Vicaquirau, and by the rest of the legitimate sons, and against the
will of his father. In the course of their intrigues to carry this into
effect, the times gave them the opportunity which they could not
otherwise have found, in the march of the Chancas upon Cuzco. It
happened in this way.
Thirty leagues to the west of Cuzco there is a province called
Andahuaylas, the names of the natives of it being Chancas. In this
province there were two Sinchis, [_robbers and cruel tyrants_] named
Uscovilca and Ancovilca who, coming on an expedition from near Huamanca
with some companies of robbers, had settled in the valley of
Andahuaylas, and had there formed a state. They were brothers. Uscovilca
being the elder and principal one, instituted a tribe which he called
Hanan-chancas or upper Chancas. Ancovilca formed another tribe called
Hurin-chancas or lower Chancas. These chiefs, after death, were
embalmed, and because they were feared for their cruelties in life, were
kept by their people. The Hanan-chancas carried the statue of Uscovilca
with them, in their raids and wars. Although they had other Sinchis,
they always attributed their success to the statue of Uscovilca, which
they called Ancoallo.
The tribes and companies of Uscovilca had multiplied prodigiously in the
time of Viracocha. It seemed to them that they were so powerful that no
one could equal them, so they resolved to march from Andahuaylas and
conquer Cuzco. With this object they elected two Sinchis, one named
Asto-huaraca, and the other Tomay-huaraca, one of the tribe of
Hanan-chanca, the other of Hurin-chanca. These were to lead them in
their enterprise. The Chancas and their Sinchis were proud and insolent.
Setting out from Andahuaylas they marched on the way to Cuzco until they
reached a place called Ichu-pampa, five leagues west of that city, where
they halted for some days, terrifying the neighbourhood and preparing
for an advance.
The news spread terror among the _orejones_ of Cuzco, for they doubted
the powers of Inca Viracocha, who was now very old and weak. Thinking
that the position of Cuzco was insecure, Viracocha called a Council of
his sons and captains Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau. These captains said to
him--"Inca Viracocha! we have understood what you have proposed to us
touching this matter, and how you ought to meet the difficulty. After
careful consideration it appears to us that as you are old and infirm
owing to what you have undergone in former wars, it will not be well
that you should attempt so great a business, dangerous and with victory
doubtful, such as that which now presents itself before your eyes. The
wisest counsel respecting the course you should adopt is that you should
leave Cuzco, and proceed to the place of Chita, and thence to Caquia
Xaquixahuana, which is a strong fort, whence you may treat for an
agreement with the Chancas." They gave this advice to Viracocha to get
him out of Cuzco and give them a good opportunity to put their designs
into execution, which were to raise Cusi Inca Yupanqui to the throne. In
whatever manner it was done, it is certain that this advice was taken by
the Inca Viracocha. He determined to leave Cuzco and proceed to Chita,
in accordance with their proposal. But when Cusi Inca Yupanqui found
that his father was determined to leave Cuzco, they say that he thus
addressed him, "How father can it fit into your heart to accept such
infamous advice as to leave Cuzco, city of the Sun and of Viracocha,
whose name you have taken, whose promise you hold that you shall be a
great lord, you and your descendants." Though a boy, he said this with
the animated daring of a man high in honour. The father answered that he
was a boy and that he spoke like one, in talking without consideration,
and that such words were of no value. Inca Yupanqui replied that he
would remain where they would be remembered, that he would not leave
Cuzco nor abandon the House of the Sun. They say that all this was
planned by the said captains of Viracocha, Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau, to
throw those off their guard who might conceive suspicion respecting the
remaining of Inca Yupanqui in Cuzco. So Viracocha left Cuzco and went to
Chita, taking with him his two illegitimate sons Inca Urco and Inca
Socso. His son Inca Yupanqui remained at Cuzco, resolved to defend the
city or die in its defence. Seven chiefs remained with him; Inca Rocca
his elder and legitimate brother, Apu Mayta, Vicaquirau, Quillis-cacha,
Urco Huaranca, Chima Chaui Pata Yupanqui, Viracocha Inca Paucar, and
Mircoy-mana the tutor of Inca Yupanqui.
XXVII
COMING OF THE CHANCAS AGAINST CUZCO.
At the time when Inca Viracocha left Cuzco, Asto-huaraca and
Tomay-huaraca set out for Ichu-pampa, first making sacrifices and
blowing out the lungs of an animal, which they call _calpa_. This they
did not well understand, from what happened afterwards. Marching on
towards Cuzco, they arrived at a place called Conchacalla, where they
took a prisoner. From him they learnt what was happening at Cuzco, and
he offered to guide them there secretly. Thus he conducted them half
way. But then his conscience cried out to him touching the evil he was
doing. So he fled to Cuzco, and gave the news that the Chancas were
resolutely advancing. The news of this Indian, who was a Quillis-cachi
of Cuzco, made Viracocha hasten his flight to Chita, whither the Chancas
sent their messengers summoning him to surrender, and threatening war if
he refused. Others say that these were not messengers but scouts and
that Inca Viracocha, knowing this, told them that he knew they were
spies of the Chancas, that he did not want to kill them, but that they
might return and tell their people that if they wanted anything he was
there. So they departed and at the mouth of a channel of water some of
them fell and were killed. At this the Chancas were much annoyed. They
said that the messengers had been ordered to go to Inca Viracocha, and
that they were killed by his captain Quequo Mayta.
While this was proceeding with the messengers of the Chancas, the Chanca
army was coming nearer to Cuzco. Inca Yupanqui made great praying to
Viracocha and to the Sun to protect the city. One day he was at
Susurpuquio in great affliction, thinking over the best plan for
opposing his enemies, when there appeared a person in the air like the
Sun, consoling him and animating him for the battle. This being held up
to him a mirror in which the provinces he would subdue were shown, and
told him that he would be greater than any of his ancestors: he was to
have no doubt, but to return to the city, because he would conquer the
Chancas who were marching on Cuzco. With these words the vision animated
Inca Yupanqui. He took the mirror, which he carried with him ever
afterwards, in peace or war, and returned to the city, where he began to
encourage those he had left there, and some who came from afar[79]. The
latter came to look on, not daring to declare for either party, fearing
the rage of the conqueror if they should join the conquered side. Inca
Yupanqui, though only a lad of 20 or 22 years, provided for everything
as one who was about to fight for his life.
[Note 79: Susurpuquio seems to have been a fountain or spring on the
road to Xaquixahuana. Molina relates the story of the vision somewhat
differently, p. 12. Mrs. Zelia Nuttall thinks that the description of
the vision bears such a very strong resemblance to a bas relief found in
Guatemala that they must have a common origin.]
While the Inca Yupanqui was thus engaged the Chancas had been marching,
and reached a place very near Cuzco called Cusi-pampa, there being
nothing between it and Cuzco but a low hill. Here the Quillis-cachi was
encountered again. He said that he had been to spy, and that he rejoiced
to meet them. This deceiver went from one side to the other, always
keeping friends with both, to secure the favour of the side which
eventually conquered. The Chancas resumed the march, expecting that
there would be no defence. But the Quillis-cachi, mourning over the
destruction of his country, disappeared from among the Chancas and went
to Cuzco to give the alarm. "To arms! to arms!" he shouted, "Inca
Yupanqui. The Chancas are upon you."
At these words the Inca, who was not off his guard, mustered and got his
troops in order, but he found very few willing to go forth with him to
oppose the enemy, almost all took to the hills to watch the event. With
those who were willing to follow, though few in number, chiefly the men
of the seven Sinchis, brothers and captains, named above, he formed a
small force and came forth to receive the enemy who advanced in fury and
without order. The opposing forces advanced towards each other, the
Chancas attacking the city in four directions. The Inca Yupanqui sent
all the succour he could to the assailed points, while he and his
friends advanced towards the statue and standard of Uscovilca, with
Asto-huaraca and Tomay-huaraca defending them. Here there was a bloody
and desperate battle, one side striving to enter the city, and the other
opposing its advance. Those who entered by a suburb called
Chocos-chacona were valiantly repulsed by the inhabitants. They say that
a woman named Chañan-ccuri-coca here fought like a man, and so valiantly
opposed the Chancas that they were obliged to retire. This was the cause
that all the Chancas who saw it were dismayed. The Inca Yupanqui
meanwhile was so quick and dexterous with his weapon, that those who
carried the statue of Uscovilca became alarmed, and their fear was
increased when they saw great numbers of men coming down from the hills.
They say that these were sent by Viracocha, the creator, as succour for
the Inca. The Chancas began to give way, leaving the statue of
Uscovilca, and they say even that of Ancovilca. Attacking on two sides,
Inca Rocca, Apu Mayta, and Vicaquirau made great havock among the
Chancas. Seeing that their only safety was in flight, they turned their
backs, and their quickness in running exceeded their fierceness in
advancing. The men of Cuzco continued the pursuit, killing and wounding,
for more than two leagues, when they desisted. The Chancas returned to
Ichu-pampa, and the _orejones_ to Cuzco, having won a great victory and
taken a vast amount of plunder which remained in their hands. The Cuzcos
rejoiced at this victory won with so little expectation or hope. They
honoured Inca Yupanqui with many epithets, especially calling him
PACHACUTI, which means "over-turner of the earth," alluding to the land
and farms which they looked upon as lost by the coming of the Chancas.
For he had made them free and safe again. From that time he was called
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.
As soon as the victory was secure, Inca Yupanqui did not wish to enjoy
the triumph although many tried to persuade him. He wished to give his
father the glory of such a great victory. So he collected the most
precious spoils, and took them to his father who was in Chita, with a
principal _orejon_ named Quillis-cachi Urco Huaranca. By him he sent to
ask his father to enjoy that triumph and tread on those spoils of the
enemy, a custom they have as a sign of victory. When Quillis-cachi Urco
Huaranca arrived before Viracocha Inca, he placed those spoils of the
Chancas at his feet with great reverence, saying, "Inca Viracocha! thy
son Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, to whom the Sun has given such a great
victory, vanquishing the powerful Chancas, sends me to salute you, and
says that, as a good and humble son he wishes you to triumph over your
victory and to tread upon these spoils of your enemies, conquered by
your hands." Inca Viracocha did not wish to tread on them, but said that
his son Inca Urco should do so, as he was to succeed to the Incaship.
Hearing this the messenger rose and gave utterance to furious words,
saying that he did not come for cowards to triumph by the deeds of
Pachacuti. He added that if Viracocha did not wish to receive this
recognition from so valiant a son, it would be better that Pachachuti
should enjoy the glory for which he had worked. With this he returned to
Cuzco, and told Pachacuti what had happened with his father.
XXVIII.
THE SECOND VICTORY OF PACHACUTI INCA YUPANQUI OVER THE CHANCAS.
While Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui was sending the spoil to his father, the
Chancas were recruiting and assembling more men at Ichu-pampa, whence
they marched on Cuzco the first time. The Sinchis Tomay-huaraca and
Asto-huaraca began to boast, declaring that they would return to Cuzco
and leave nothing undestroyed. This news came to Pachacuti Inca
Yupanqui. He received it with courage and, assembling his men, he
marched in search of the Chancas. When they heard that the Incas were
coming, they resolved to march out and encounter them, but the advance
of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui was so rapid that he found the Chancas still
at Ichu-pampa.
As soon as the two forces came in sight of each other, Asto-huaraca,
full of arrogance, sent to Inca Yupanqui to tell him that he could see
the power of the Chancas and the position they now held. They were not
like him coming from the poverty stricken Cuzco, and if he did not
repent the past and become a tributary and vassal to the Chancas;
Asto-huaraca would dye his lance in an Inca's blood. But Inca Yupanqui
was not terrified by the embassy. He answered in this way to the
messenger. "Go back brother and say to Asto-huaraca, your Sinchi, that
Inca Yupanqui is a child of the Sun and guardian of Cuzco, the city of
Ticci Viracocha Pachayachachi, by whose order I am here guarding it. For
this city is not mine but his; and if your Sinchi should wish to own
obedience to Ticci Viracocha, or to me in His name, he will be
honourably received. If your Sinchi should see things in another light,
show him that I am here with our friends, and if he should conquer us he
can call himself Lord and Inca. But let him understand that no more time
can be wasted in demands and replies. God (Ticci Viracocha) will give
the victory to whom he pleases."
With this reply the Chancas felt that they had profited little by their
boasting. They ran to their arms because they saw Pachacuti closely
following the bearer of his reply. The two armies approached each other
in Ichu-pampa, encountered, and mixed together, the Chancas thrusting
with long lances, the Incas using slings, clubs, axes and arrows, each
one defending himself and attacking his adversary. The battle raged for
a long time, without advantage on either side. At last Pachacuti made a
way to where Asto-huaraca was fighting, attacked him and delivered a
blow with his hatchet which cut off the Chanca's head. Tomay-huaraca was
already killed. The Inca caused the heads of these two captains to be
set on the points of lances, and raised on high to be seen by their
followers. The Chancas, on seeing the heads, despaired of victory
without leaders. They gave up the contest and sought safety in flight.
Inca Yupanqui and his army followed in pursuit, wounding and killing
until there was nothing more to do.
This great victory yielded such rich and plentiful spoils, that
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui proposed to go to where his father was, report
to him the story of the battle and the victory, and to offer him
obedience that he might triumph as if the victory was his own. Loaded
with spoil and Chanca prisoners he went to visit his father. Some say
that it was at a place called Caquia Xaquixahuana, four leagues from
Cuzco, others that it was at Marco, three leagues from Cuzco. Wherever
it was, there was a great ceremony, presents being given, called
_muchanaco_[80]. When Pachacuti had given his father a full report, he
ordered the spoils of the enemy to be placed at his feet, and asked his
father to tread on them and triumph over the victory. But Viracocha
Inca, still intent upon having Inca Urco for his successor, desired that
the honour offered to him should be enjoyed by his favourite son. He,
therefore, did not wish to accept the honours for himself. Yet not
wishing to offend the Inca Yupanqui Pachacuti on such a crucial point,
he said that he would tread on the spoils and prisoners, and did so. He
excused himself from going to triumph at Cuzco owing to his great age,
which made him prefer to rest at Caquia Xaquixahuana.
[Note 80: _Muchani_, I worship. _Nacu_ is a particle giving a
reciprocal or mutual meaning, "joint worship."]
With this reply Pachacuti departed for Cuzco with a great following of
people and riches. The Inca Urco also came to accompany him, and on the
road there was a quarrel in the rear guard between the men of Urco and
those of Pachacuti. Others say that it was an ambush laid for his
brother by Urco and that they fought. The Inca Pachacuti took no notice
of it, and continued his journey to Cuzco, where he was received with
much applause and in triumph. Soon afterwards, as one who thought of
assuming authority over the whole land and taking away esteem from his
father, as he presently did, he began to distribute the spoils, and
confer many favours with gifts and speeches. With the fame of these
grand doings, people came to Cuzco from all directions and many of those
who were at Caquia Xaquixahuana left it and came to the new Inca at
Cuzco.
XXIX.
THE INCA YUPANQUI ASSUMES THE SOVEREIGNTY AND TAKES THE FRINGE, WITHOUT
THE CONSENT OF HIS FATHER.
When the Inca Yupanqui found himself so strong and that he had been
joined by so many people, he determined not to wait for the nomination
of his father, much less for his death, before he rose with the people
of Cuzco with the further intention of obtaining the assent of those
without. With this object he caused a grand sacrifice to be offered to
the Sun in the Inti-cancha or House of the Sun, and then went to ask the
image of the Sun who should be Inca. The oracle of the devil, or perhaps
some Indian who was behind to give the answer, replied that Inca
Yupanqui Pachacuti was chosen and should be Inca. On this answer being
given, all who were present at the sacrifice, prostrated themselves
before Pachacuti, crying out "Ccapac Inca Intip Churin," which means
"Sovereign Lord Child of the Sun."
Presently they prepared a very rich fringe of gold and emeralds
wherewith to crown him. Next day they took Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui to
the House of the Sun, and when they came to the image of the Sun, which
was of gold and the size of a man, they found it with the fringe, as if
offering it of its own will. First making his sacrifices, according to
their custom, he came to the image, and the High Priest called out in
his language "Intip Apu," which means "Governor of things pertaining to
the Sun." With much ceremony and great reverence the fringe was taken
from the image and placed, with much pomp, on the forehead of Pachacuti
Inca Yupanqui. Then all called his name and hailed him "Intip Churin
Inca Pachacuti," or "Child of the Sun Lord, over-turner of the earth."
From that time he was called Pachacuti besides his first name which was
Inca Yupanqui. Then the Inca presented many gifts and celebrated the
event with feasts. [_He was sovereign Inca without the consent of his
father or of the people, but by those he had gained over to his side by
gifts_.]
XXX.
PACHACUTI INCA YUPANQUI REBUILDS THE CITY OF CUZCO.
As soon as the festivities were over, the Inca laid out the city of
Cuzco on a better plan; and formed the principal streets as they were
when the Spaniards came. He divided the land for communal, public, and
private edifices, causing them to be built with very excellent masonry.
It is such that we who have seen it, and know that they did not possess
instruments of iron or steel to work with, are struck with admiration on
beholding the equality and precision with which the stones are laid, as
well as the closeness of the points of junction. With the rough stones
it is even more interesting to examine the work and its composition. As
the sight alone satisfies the curious, I will not waste time in a more
detailed description.
Besides this, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, considering the small extent of
land round Cuzco suited for cultivation, supplied by art what was
wanting in nature. Along the skirts of the hills near villages, and also
in other parts, he constructed very long terraces of 200 paces more or
less, and 20 to 30 wide, faced with masonry, and filled with earth, much
of it brought from a distance. We call these terraces _andenes_, the
native name being _sucres_. He ordered that they should be sown, and in
this way he made a vast increase in the cultivated land, and in
provision for sustaining the companies and garrisons.