Writers upon occasion, is call’d _The Kingdom of Peru_, was extended by
the last _Inca_ or King, _Huayna Capac_, from North to South above a
thousand Leagues together, comprehending not only a great part of the
Province of _Chile_ towards the South, but also the new Kingdom of
_Granada_, and divers other Provinces to the North; but _Peru_, properly
so call’d, containeth little more than half so much, _viz._ six hundred
Leagues in length, and about fifty or threescore in breadth, except
onely in some places, as in the Countrey of _Chacopoyas_, where ’tis
thought it may be a hundred Leagues from the _Andes_ to the South Sea:
It lieth between the first and fifth Degrees of Southern Latitude, and
is bounded on the East and North-East with that vast Ridge of Mountains
which they call the _Andes_; on the West it is wash’d with _Mare del
Zur_; on the North it hath the Countrey of _Popayan_; and on the South,
_Chile_: It is commonly divided into three parts, which they call _The
Plains_, _The Hill-Countrey_, and _The Andes_; the _Plains_ are that
part of the Countrey which lie along upon the Sea-Coast, being for the
most part a meer Level without any Hills at all. The _Sierra_, as they
call it, or _Hill-Countrey_, is that part of _Peru_ which is partly
mountainous and partly plain, fertile and well inhabited in both. The
_Andes_ are so high, rocky, and inaccessible, that they are scarce
inhabited at all but by Salvages, save onely upon the skirts of them.
The _Plains_ from the Sea-shore to the _Hill-Countrey_, are for the most
part about ten Leagues over or broad, upon which it scarce raineth all
the year long. The _Hill-Countrey_ is commonly twenty Leagues in breadth
where narrowest; and from _September_ to _April_ hath Rain, the rest of
the Year generally being fair Weather; but on the _Andes_, which take up
all the rest of the Countrey of _Peru_, it raineth almost continually
all the year long. In the _Hill-Countrey_ their Summer begins in
_April_, as is said, and ends in _September_; but in the _Plains_ it
begins in _October_, and ends in _May_; so that in the space of a day a
Man may feel both Summer and Winter; be scorch’d with excessive Heat in
the Morning, and yet well nipt with Cold before Night. The _Andes_
generally are cover’d with thick Woods and wild Forrests. The
_Hill-Countrey_ is for a great space naked and open; the _Plains_ in
many places sandy and dry, and would be much more scorch’d with Heat
than they are, but for the neighborhood of the Sea, which affords them
many cooling Gales from the South and South-West Winds, whose property,
although it be natural in other parts to be tempestuous, to bring Rain
and foul Weather, yet here there is nothing but Serenity and fair
Sun-shine days all the year long, although these Winds blow almost
without ceasing upon the Countrey, and no other at any time, whereas the
_Sierra_, or _Hill-Countreys_ have Wind from every Coast, and such as
bringeth all sorts of Weather with it, Rain, Hail, Frost, Snow, great
claps of Thunder, _&c._ The Countrey affordeth not so much Cattel of the
breed of _Europe_ as some other Provinces of _America_; but in stead of
Kine and Sheep, the Woods and Pastures are replenish’d with multitudes
of the _Vicugnes_ and _Pacos_, which are of no less Profit and Service.
The _Pacos_ here are said to be as big as some young Heifers of two
years old, bearing a Fleece like Sheep, and their Flesh no less pleasant
than the Mutton of _Europe_. But the great Wealth of this Countrey lies
out of sight in the bowels of the Earth, _viz._ in those rich and (as
they may seem) inexhaustible Mines both of Gold and Silver, which, as
’tis well known, the Countrey of _Peru_ affordeth more than any other
Province of _America_ besides. The _Sierra_ opens into large Valleys,
amongst the chiefest whereof are _Xauxa_, _Andaguailas_, and _Yucay_,
all of them well inhabited and fruitful. Below _Cusco_ the Mountains
_Andes_ and those of _Sierra_ run a greater distance than elsewhere one
from the other, leaving the great Plain _Callao_ in the middle.
Moreover, several sandy Wilds, without Water, Herbs, Trees, or any
living Creature, except Birds, extend from _Tumbez_ to _Taparaca_. From
the Valleys flow several Rivers into the Southern Ocean. On the Mountain
_Pira_ is a Fountain call’d _Puchio_, which springs in the Night, but is
quite dry in the Day-time. Also near the chief City _Quito_ in the
Valley _Chilo_, is a Fountain whose Waters boyl faster or slower
according as any one speaks softer or louder; and when not a word is
spoken, it stirs not at all. If any thing exceed this for strangeness,
it is a Rock in the Province _Concuchos_, which is all compos’d of black
and white Stones, which are so neatly plac’d by Nature, as if Art had
done a Master-piece, in the exact placing of them one between another:
but the chiefest thing belonging to it worthy of admiration, is a
wonderful power either to heal or hurt; for if the black Stones in this
Rock be touch’d by any, they cause immediate Death; whenas the white
ones cure all manner of Sicknesses, and being digg’d out, leave a Seed
behind them, out of which grow new Stones to fill up the empty place.
[Illustration]
_Iuca Garcilasso_, Extracted from the _Peruvian_ Kings, tells us
concerning Plants, That he saw a Raddish which a Man with both Arms
could scarce embrace, and that under the shade of their Leaves, Horses
might stand. But of all the _Peruan_ Fruit the _Cocoa_ is the crown,
which grows on Trees of a Fathom long in hot and moist Grounds of the
Valleys between _Andes_ and _Sierra_; from whence it is carried to the
Sea-Coast in long Baskets by Companies of three or four thousand at a
time on the Backs of the Sheep _Pacos_. Before the _Spaniards_ coming
hither none might chew _Cocoa_ without the Governor’s leave: A handful
thereof chew’d and suck’d in the Mouth, enables a Man to travel two days
without any other Sustenance, and mix’d with burnt Bones or Chalk, it is
accounted an excellent Dish; there is such extraordinary plenty of them,
that the Inhabitants spend yearly 90000 Baskets of the Leaves in
Pottage. The _Peruans_ also esteem _Mamayes_, a Fruit which grows round,
not unlike a Peach, with two Stones, hard Rinds, and a well-rellish’d
Pulp within, which dipt in Sugar is a great Dainty; they grow for the
most part in the Islands. The _Guaiyavas_ bears a wholsom and delicious
Fruit like a large Plumb. The _Palto_, a Tree with many Boughs, bears a
Fruit resembling a Pear, having a hard Rind, and within the Pulp a great
Stone. The Fruit which grows on the _Annona_ hath outwardly the same
shape, but white within, and hath many black Kernels, which taste very
deliciously. The Fruit _Andas_, so call’d from the desolate _Peruan_
Mountains on which they grow, resemble the fore-mention’d _Cocoa_, but
differ from the _East-Indian_, because they are full of hard shell’d
Almonds, the like whereof grows on the Tree _Cachapoyas_, which are not
inferior to any _European_ Fruits that grow on Trees; in that part of
_Peru_ which hath its Name from that Fruit is the best sort, being
exceedingly devour’d by Monkies, who plucking the _Cachapoya_ Almonds
from their Stalks, throw them on the Ground to break their prickly
Shells, that so they may eat the Kernels without hurt. The _Mille_-Tree,
being a sort of Grapes, furnishes with Wine. But the greatest benefit
the Inhabitants receive is by their Sheep _Pacos_ and _Moromoros_, which
carry great Loads, and feed on what they find by the Way; their Flesh is
good and wholsom, and being either Smoak’d or Salted, keeps good a
considerable time; their Wool dress’d affords _Cumbi_, of which they
make fine Table-clothes and Tapestry, which on both sides is alike. The
chiefest Weavers liv’d formerly at _Copachica_ near the great Lake
_Titicacu_: They Dye their Wool with the Juice of boyl’d Herbs. It seems
also strange to consider what Loads the foremention’d Sheep carried, for
besides all sorts of Merchandise, they convey’d the Silver from _Potosi_
to _Arica_, a Way of sixty three Leagues; but in former times they
brought it as far again to _Arequipa_; and though they carried two
thousand Bars at a time, amounting to above thirty thousand _Ducats_,
yet they had no other Guard but a few Herdsmen, who driving them slept
with them in the Nights under the bare Skie, yet lost none of their
Riches, but when the bald Sheep call’d _Moromoros_, being wearied with
their Loads, standing still, stretch’d out their Necks, and looking on
their Drivers, on a sudden ran up into the Mountains, by which means the
Silver was oft-times lost, if they were not suddenly shot. The woolly
Sheep _Pacos_ have also strange Tricks, for they often fall down under
their Loads, and cannot be got up again, but must be let alone till they
rise of themselves. So soon as one of the Sheep hath gotten the Mange
(which the _Peruvians_ call _T’ecarache_,) they bury them alive to
prevent farther Infection.
[Sidenote: The Customs and Habits of the antient Natives.]
[Sidenote: Giants antiently in _St. Helena_.]
The antient Natives, though differing in Language and Customs, yet went
all Apparell’d after the same fashion, the Men cover’d themselves with a
Shirt, which came down below their Knees, and over that a Cotton Cloak,
the Women wore woollen Coats down to their Ancles: Their Head-Ornaments
were different according to an inviolable Compact between the Natives of
several Provinces; for some were wrought, some plain, some divers
colour’d Caps, with two, three, or no Feathers, according to the Custom
of the Place: They were generally of a middle Stature; but those that
were near the _Equinoctial Line_ lesser. Their Histories make mention
also of Gyants, who formerly inhabited the Promontory _St. Helena_, were
each four times bigger than an ordinary Man, and fed not onely on the
greatest Sea-Monsters, but devour’d each of them thirty _Peruvians_ at a
Meal. The Stone Images of these Gyants are at this day to be seen not
far from _Puerto Viejo_. They likewise kept for a longtime Annual
Feast-Days, on which they lamented the loss of the Gyants, which (as
they say) was as followeth:
A Youth glittering in glory like the Sun descended from Heaven, and
breath’d Fire, which rending the Rocks so terrifi’d the Giants, that
they fled into a deep Cave, where they were all kill’d.
[Sidenote: _Helvius_ finds the Bones of the Giants.]
_Cornelius Whitefleet_ relates, That _Helvius_, Governor of _Puerto
Viejo_ being stirr’d up by the Report of the fore-mention’d Images,
caus’d all the Graves to be broke open, in some of which he found Bones,
which they suppos’d to be Whale-Bones, had not the Sculls manifested the
contrary.
[Sidenote: The original of the Kingdom of _Peru_.]
[Sidenote: The original of the _Ingas_.]
Concerning the original of the Kingdom of _Peru_ the Natives give this
Account of it: That the most antient Inhabitants flock’d together like
wild Beasts, without constant Abodes, Customs, Laws, or Governors, which
salvageness is still retain’d in many Parts, amongst the _Brasilians_,
_Chunches_, _Chiruguanes_, _Yscayungus_, _Piloconens_, most of the
_Floridans_, _Chinchemecos_, and others, which degenerate from all
Humanity. In time when some kind of Government began to be observ’d, it
was rather Popular than Monarchical; yet generally those that were most
powerful, valiant and subtile, bore the greatest sway: Amongst whom the
first that five Ages since Commanded over the Inhabitants of the Valley
_Cusco_, was _Ingaroca_, a subtile and politick Person, who built the
Fort _Pucora_, Eastward near the Foot of the Mountain _Andes_, that so
he might bridle the People which inhabited in those Parts between the
Rivers, Moors, and Lakes, where the remainders of the Fort are to be
seen at this day: Moreover, he conquer’d all the Countrey along the
Southern Ocean towards the North and South, giving out that he was
extracted from one of the seven _Ingas_ (by which Name the _Peruan_
Kings have been styl’d ever since) which came out of the Cave
_Pacaritambo_, where they were preserv’d against the Deluge (of which
the _Heathens_ in _America_ had long since an obscure knowledge,) and
restor’d the drowned Families; wherefore every one not onely obey’d, but
paid him Tribute, and bound themselves to receive of him the true
Religion, which they desir’d he would teach them, as none knowing the
same better than he, whom they look’d upon as Extracted from the
_Ingas_. Amongst these _Ingas_ the chiefest was said to be _Mangocapa_,
who, according to their fabulous Tradition, climb’d through the Window
_Tambo_ out of the Cave _Pacaritambo_, and produc’d two Families, _viz._
_Hunan Cusco_, and _Urin Cusco_; from the first whereof _Ingaroca_
affirm’d himself Descended, and having first made himself Master of all
the Countreys about _Cusco_, rais’d the Family _Vicaquiquirao_, and laid
out a great part of his Revenues upon Gold and Silver Utensils, and
Ornaments for his Person and House, which he in his last Will charg’d
that none of his Successors should inherit, nor dwell in his Palace, but
that every one should build a new Habitation for themselves: He also
erected divers Golden Idols.
[Sidenote: _Yaguarguoqu_ the second _Inga_.]
[Sidenote: _Viracocha Inga_ his great Riches.]
Some Authors begin this _Dynastie_ of the Kings of _Peru_ in a very
different manner, making _Mango Capa_ to be the first thereof, and to
have been Succeeded by his Son _Chincaroca_, which cannot but be the
same with this _Ingaroca_ here mention’d. _Yaguarguoqu_ (that is, _Crier
of Blood_, because on a time being Commander, and taken Prisoner, out of
vexation and exceeding grief he cried _Blood_). Succeeding him after his
Death, rais’d the Family _Aocaillipanaca_, and was Succeeded by his
eldest Son, the wealthy _Viracocha Inga_, of whom, when the _Spaniards_
conquer’d _Peru_, went a Report, that great Riches lay buried in the
Earth with him; wherefore _Gonzalus Pizarrus_ tortur’d the Natives after
an inhumane manner, to know of them where the Grave of the said _Inga_
was; at last obtaining his Desire, he digg’d for the Body, which he
found so well Embalm’d, that it seem’d to live, but no Gold with it;
wherefore _Pizarrus_ deceiv’d in his expectation, burnt the Corps; the
Ashes whereof the _Indians_ gathering in Urns, worshipp’d, though when
he liv’d the Vulgar were much incens’d at him, for taking upon him the
Name of _Viracocha_, who was their supream God and Creator of all
things; but he pacifi’d them, saying, That _Viracocha_ appearing to him
in a Dream, had commanded him to take that Name upon him.
[Sidenote: _Yupangui_’s Policy to gain an Opinion amongst the People.]
[Sidenote: Gross superstition.]
The fourth _Inga_, call’d _Pachacuto Yupangui_ succeeded in the Throne
after the Death of his eldest Brother, who was slain in a Field-Battel
against the _Changas_, inhabiting the Valley _Andaguailas_, where the
_Peruan_ Army was utterly defeated, few of them onely escaping by
flight; among whom was _Yupangui_, who perswaded the rest to a subtile
Design, by alledging, That the Almighty Creator, angry at their
Destruction, had reveal’d many Secrets to him, _viz._ That the Creator
in Heaven was call’d _Viracocha Pachayachachie_; That he resented it
very ill; That whereas he formerly made Heaven, Sun, Moon, Stars, and
Men, none worshipp’d him for it, but in stead of him they reverenc’d the
Sun, Thunder, and the Earth, who had their Beings from him; That he
would shew his Power against the victorious _Changas_ by an unexpected
Assistance of an invisible Army. This being believ’d of every one,
stirr’d up the _Peruans_ far and near, insomuch that in a short time a
vast Army being rais’d, presented themselves to _Yupangui_, who made
good use thereof; and also told them that _Viracocha_ had decreed in
Heaven, that he _Yupangui_ should be his Vicegerent on Earth; which the
Army believing, set the _Peruan_ Crown which they had taken from his
Father, on his Head: Thus promoted, he march’d against the _Changas_,
whom in a bloody Battel he Conquer’d, and brought them all under his
Obedience: Moreover, he made his Soldiers believe, that they were not
the Conquerors, but invisible Men, whom _Viracocha_ had sent, and who
could be seen by none but himself; and that after the Battel they were
turn’d into Stones, which they must seek for. Whereupon they gathering a
great number of Stones on the Mountains, _Yupangui_ call’d them
_Pururancas_, and order’d that they should be worshipp’d, and carried
with them into the Field whensoe’re they fought another Battel, hoping
thereby to stir up his Soldiers to be couragious, who firmly believ’d,
that with the visible Stones walk’d invisible Heroes that would
certainly assist them. This Imagination wrought so much, that
_Yupangui_’s Army assur’d of Victory with the help of the Stones, went
on undauntedly on all Designs, insomuch that being fear’d by all the
adjacent People, he forc’d them all to submission. This _Yupangui_
rais’d the Family _Yuaupococa_, and plac’d a great Golden Image call’d
_Indyllapa_ on a Golden Chariot, which since was religiously worshipp’d,
and afterwards carried to _Caxamalca_, for a Ransom of the _Peruvian_
King _Attabaliba_, whom the _Spanish_ General _Pizarrus_ kept Prisoner,
and at last Strangled. The Councellor _Polus_ opening _Yupangui_’s
Grave, found the Body Embalm’d, and no way defaced, but the Eyes cover’d
with thin Golden Plates, and on his Head appear’d the Scar of a Stone
which had been thrown at him; and though the Body had lain eighty years
in the Grave, yet it seem’d rather living than dead, being onely a
little grey. This Corps, as also several other _Inga_’s, the Marquess
_Camette_ brought from _Cusco_ to _Lima_, so to prevent the _Peruvians_
worshipping of them.
[Sidenote: The Greatness and Riches of _Guayacava_.]
_Yupangui_ after his Decease was succeeded by _Sopa Inga_, and he by his
Son of the same Name, who rais’d the Family _Ayoac Aillo_: The last (for
nothing worthy of memory was done by either of them,) was succeeded by
_Guaynacava_, a wealthy and valiant young Man, who was no sooner setled
on the Throne, but he manag’d all things with great prudence, maintain’d
War with several People, and conquer’d the Kingdom of _Quito_, four
hundred Leagues beyond _Cusco_, whither after his Death his Body was
carried, and buried in the famous Temple of the Sun, but his Entrails
were buried in _Quito_ not without many bloody Offerings, thousands of
his Servants Sacrificing themselves at his Grave willingly, that so they
might serve their Prince in the other World. The invaluable Treasures
which he left behind him were carefully hid by the _Peruvians_ till the
_Spaniards_ conquer’d that Countrey: The pav’d Ways, magnificent
Buildings, and strong Castles, testifie as yet the Power of this _Inga_;
wherefore in his life-time he was honor’d as a God. His Mother
_Mamaoclo_ liv’d to see above three hundred of her Children’s Children,
all Extracted from her Son _Guaynacava_.
[Sidenote: War between _Huascar_ and his Brother _Attabaliba_.]
[Sidenote: _Huascar_ burnt alive.]
The chief of the Family _Tanebamba_ were _Huascar_ and _Attabaliba_,
Sons to _Guaynacava_, (both by the _Coya_, or lawful Queen, however some
have deliver’d to the contrary) who falling at variance betwixt
themselves, resolv’d to decide the Quarrel by a Field-Battel, in which
_Attabaliba_, being the youngest, was Conqueror. This Civil War was at
the heighth when the _Spaniards_ invaded _Peru_, which they could never
have conquer’d, had not the Realm been so divided. During _Attabaliba_’s
Imprisonment by _Pizarrus_, his two Generals, _Quizaniz_ and
_Chilicuchima_, took the _Inga Huascar_ (formerly call’d _Tito Cusi
Gualpa_, _Attabaliba_’s Brother) in _Cusco_, and carrying him to the
Valley _Sacsahuana_, burnt him alive. It is set down as remarkable, that
_Huascar_ after his being vanquish’d, made great Offerings to
_Viracocha_, thereby to gain his assistance in his extremity against
_Attabaliba_; when he was inform’d, that a strange People which came
from a remote Place over the Seas, had defeated _Attabaliba_’s Army, and
taken him Prisoner: From which News _Huascar_ taking courage, call’d the
_Spaniards_ _Viracochas_, and judg’d that they were come from Heaven to
his Delivery, and the more, because his Brother had spilt so much Blood
already: for _Attabaliba_ had not onely slain the Prince _Atoco_, which
led _Huascar_’s Army, with three thousand two hundred Men, and drank out
of _Atoco_’s Skull tipt with Gold, but had also pluck’d out the Harts of
above a thousand Children, which the _Cannarites_ sent with Palm-Boughs
to him, to desire Peace.
[Sidenote: _Mango Inga_ Settles in the Mountain _Vilcabamba_.]
After _Attabaliba_’s and _Huascar_’s Decease, _Mango Inga_ their Brother
drove all the _Spaniards_ out of _Cusco_, whither they not long after
coming with new Forces, necessitated _Mango_, not without the loss of
many Men, to take his flight up into the Mountain _Vilcabamba_, where he
Setling, his Successors Reign to this day, secur’d from any Invasion by
the natural strength of the Place. But the _Inga Saritopa_ coming from
the fore-mention’d Mountain, submitted himself to the _Spaniards_, who
allow’d him the Valley _Yucay_ to dwell peaceably in; but the rest of
the Family of the _Inga_’s that fell into the Hands of the _Spaniards_,
were all of them kill’d in _Cusco_, not without great grief of the old
Inhabitants, to see so antient and noble a Family, by which they had
been Govern’d in great State for three hundred years together, put to
death by common Executioners.
[Sidenote: _Cusco_ the Residence of the _Peruvian_ Kings.]
The City _Cusco_, which was the Royal Seat of all the _Peruvian_ Kings,
was made more splendid than ever before, by _Guayanacava_, of whom
_Augustine de Tarrate_, describing his Magnificence, relates, That when
his Queen was Deliver’d of a Son, who was to succeed in the Throne,
_Guayanacava_ kept a great Feast for twenty days together, and on that
day when the Child was to be Nam’d, a Golden Chain, each Link of which
was as big as a Hand, and contain’d in all seven hundred Foot in length,
was carried by twenty _Peruvians_ to the Temple.
[Sidenote: The manner of the Succession of their Kings.]
The Succession of the _Inga_’s was after this manner: The _Inga_’s
keeping many Concubines had many Children by them, none of which could
lay claim to the _Peruvian_ Crown, but onely the Son begotten on the
_Coya_, or _Queen_, being generally the Kings own Sister, (whom they
accounted lawful for them to Marry, as in antient times did the
_Egyptian_ Kings) Inherited the Realm, unless the _Inga_ had a lawful
Brother, who Inherited before the Son, though born of a _Coya_; or if
the said Brother had a Son, he obtain’d the deceased Uncles Crown before
him, who in apparence was the elder Heir.
The same Succession was also observ’d by other Governors, which the
_Peruvians_ call _Curaca_’s.
[Sidenote: Their Burials and disposal of their Treasure.]
The Burials of their Kings were perform’d with great solemnity; and the
Treasures which they left behind were bestow’d in building of
magnificent _Guaha_’s, which were Temples or religious Houses, where a
kind of solemn Worship was to be perform’d, to celebrate the Memory of
the Deceased. Some part of the Treasure was also distributed amongst the
_Inga_’s Servants; but the Successor inherited not the least Mite of
what his Predecessor had gotten, but was forc’d, according to an antient
Law, to build himself a new Palace, and purchas’d anew every thing else
belonging to it.
[Sidenote: Their Crown.]
Their Crown or Diadem was onely a fine red woollen Coif with a Tassel,
that hung down over their Foreheads, which other meaner Princes wore
hanging on their right Ear.
[Sidenote: Their Coronations.]
Their Coronations were also kept in great Pomp and State, the Nobility
and Priests coming from all parts of the Countrey to _Cusco_, besides an
innumerable multitude of common People.
The Noblemens Presents to the _Inga_’s consisted chiefly of Gold and
Silver Vessels, fine Cloth call’d _Cumbi_, all sorts of Sea-shells, and
stately Plumes of Feathers of inestimable value.
Thousands of Sheep differing in colour serv’d for Offerings: moreover,
the Chief Priest sacrific’d a Child before the Image of _Viracocha_, on
whom with great Reverence he cry’d, _O great God_ Viracocha, _we Offer
you this Child, that you may keep our Realm in Peace, aid us in time of
War, prosper our_ Inga _in all his Undertakings, make him more powerful
and greater than any of his Predecessors, and grant him wisdom to Govern
this vast Countrey_.
[Sidenote: Their exact Form of Government.]