Tumebamba, also known as Tomebamba or Tumipampa in Kichwa, meaning “Knife Field,” was a principal regional city within the Inca Empire. Emperor Huayna Capac, who reigned from 1493 to 1525 AD, selected Tumebamba as the empire’s northern capital. This strategic decision underscored the city’s importance within the Inca civilization. However, Tumebamba’s prominence was short-lived as it was largely destroyed during the civil war between Huáscar and Atahualpa, just before the Spanish conquistadors’ arrival in 1532. The modern city of Cuenca, Ecuador, now stands on what was once Tumebamba, with parts of the Inca city preserved at the archaeological sites of Pumapunku and Todos Santos.
The Inca Empire
Incan Historical Sites and Ruins
Incan Mythology
| Viracocha: The Inca Creator God |
| Inti: The Inca sun god |
| Illapa: The Inca God of Thunder |
Inca Artifacts
| Incan Quipu |
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Sapa Inca Royal Mummies
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| Tumi |
| Kero |
Historical Figures
| Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui |
| Túpac Inca Yupanqui |
| Huayna Capac |
| Atahualpa |
| Manco Inca Yupanqui |
Inkilltambo
The Inkilltambo archaeological site, also known as the Inca “prison” is a significant archaeological site located within the micro-basin of Cachimayo. Encompassed by the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, Inkilltambo is characterized by a series of structures surrounding a main huaca (sacred site) and several secondary huacas situated in the middle section of this monument.
Incallajta
Inkallaqta, also known by various spellings such as Incallacta, Incallajta, Incallakta, Inkallajta, and Inkallakta, stands as a monumental testament to the architectural and cultural prowess of the Inca civilization. Located in the Cochabamba Department, Carrasco Province, Pocona Municipality of central Bolivia, approximately 130 kilometers east of Cochabamba, this site offers profound insights into the Inca’s ceremonial practices and their architectural ingenuity.
Iñaq Uyu
Iñaq Uyu, also known by various spellings such as Iñac Uyu, Iñac Uyo, and Iñakuyu, represents a significant archaeological site located on the Isla de la Luna in Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. This site, also referred to as Aklla Wasi, holds a profound historical and cultural importance within the Incan civilization, dating back to the period between 1000 C.E. and 1500 C.E. The name Iñaq Uyu, deriving from the Aymara language, translates to “pen of the iñaqa, the woman of the noble caste of the Incas,” indicating its association with the noble and aristocratic women of the Inca society
How Did Aztec Society Differ from Inca Society?
One of the primary differences between Aztec and Inca societies lies in their social structure and governance. The Aztec society was highly stratified, with a noble class, a class of commoners, and slaves. The emperor, who was considered semi-divine, wielded absolute power. In contrast, the Inca society was more collectivist, with the state controlling much of the land and resources. The Inca emperor, also seen as a god, ruled over a centralized government with a complex bureaucracy.
Supay: The Inca God of the Underworld
In the pantheon of Inca deities, Supay holds a distinctive place as the god of the underworld, also known as Uku Pacha. This realm was not only a place of the dead but also a domain of untapped resources and potential, embodying both fear and reverence in the Inca civilization. Supay’s role extended beyond the mere guardianship of the afterlife; he was also associated with minerals and the unseen forces within the earth, making him a complex figure within Inca mythology.