Topa+Inca+Yupanqui

=Topa Inca Yupanqui=

Cuzco
Topa Inca Yupanqui translates to “noble Inca accountant.” He was the second Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire. His reign was from 1471-1493 and his father was Pachacuti, and his son was Huayna Capac. He belonged to one of the noble Inca clans, Qhapaq panaca. His wife was Mama Ocllo. He was appointed leader of the Inca army in 1463 and extended the empire North, along the Andes, through what is now known as Ecuador, and also South, along the coast. Topa Inca Yupanqui was the most famous for leading a 10-month long voyage of exploration into the Pacific, but many historians are skeptical whether this actually took place or not.

Topa Inca Yupanqui was credited with leading extensive military operations that extended the Inca empire across South America. He ruled until his own death in 1493 and conquered Chimor, which occupied the Northern coast of what is now Peru. Chimor was the largest remaining rival of the Incas. He imposed taxes, rules and created a large fortress on a plateau above Cuzco. This included storage areas for clothing and supplies. There is a “legend” surrounding Topa Inca Yupanqui suggesting that he went on a voyage into the Pacific around the year 1480. It is said that he discovered islands, possibly the Galapagos Islands, brought back black slaves, gold, brass chairs, and the jawbone and skin of a horse. These things were preserved in the fortress of Cuzco until the Spanish came. He was gone so long that many believed that he had died. Many historians, however, are skeptical about this journey, but it is said that he did possibly discover the Galapagos and Easter islands, with stories from Easter island talking about a stranger from distant lands.

Topa Inca Yupanqui was a great conqueror who brought most of the Central Andes region under Inca rule. His first military conquest was not very successful. The Incas were fascinated by the rain forest, but never figured out military operations in that environment. He took over most of the Southern coast of Peru. Most valleys submitted peacefully, but the people of the Canete valley put up quite a fight. It took the Inca 3 years to conquer the region. He spent a good portion of his later years focused on the administration of the empire. He introduced a system of classifying the adult male population, which was the base for labor and military enlistment. His son, Huayna Capac, succeeded him in power after his untimely death, and there was some controversy surrounding the transfer of power. He left over 100 children after his reign.

By: Laura Reed