Manco Inca Yupanqui

Manco Inca Yupanqui was born in 1515 in Cusco for some people, for others in Tiahuanaco. His parents were the Emperor Huayna Capac and the Coya Mama Runtu. As a member of the Inca royalty, he was raised by great Amautas in the Yachaywasi of the imperial capital.



When war broke out between his brothers Huascar and Atahualpa, Inca Yupanqui was proclaimed supporter of Huascar and returned from an expedition to Paititi to reinforce his troops. During his return, he found out about the triumph of Atahualpa, already controlling even Cusco (1532).

He was also informed of the proximity of an army, those were the Spanish. Then, Inca Yupanqui, with his troops, joined Francisco Pizarro in Jaquijahuana, and together they defeated the Atahualpa General Quisquis at the Battle of Anta.

This allowed him to enter Cusco accompanied by the "divine bearded" who recognized him as a new Sapa Inca (1533). When Francisco Pizarro returned to Jauja in 1534, Manco Inca was captured by Juan and Gonzalo Pizarro, who tortured him to confess the location of many hidden treasures. The stoic monarch endured torment, until early 1536, when he convinced Hernando Pizarro to release him. He promised to bring back a golden statue representing Huayna Capac.

With the help of Willac Umu, the high priest of the Sun, he managed to raise 75 000 warriors to take back Cusco and destroy Lima. The Spanish had been killed if it was not for the help of thousands of Indian allies such as Huancas, Chachapoyas, Canaris and huaylas tallanes who did not want the Inca Empire to rule again.

A confusing incident during a game led to a fight that ended when Manco Inca stabbed by Diego Mendez and the other Spanish refugees. The murderers were overtaken by the royal guards and killed.

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