A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com –\u00a0<\/strong>Who was the Sapa Inca?<\/p>\n The ruler of the Inca people, known as the Sapa Inca, held a unique and significant position. The “only emperor” title\u00a0in Quechua signifies his unparalleled role as the sole Inca ruler.<\/p>\n Painting of Manco C\u00e1pac – Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco – 18th century Cusco School. Unknown source – Public Domain<\/em><\/p>\n Why did he play such an essential role in the Inca Empire?<\/p>\n The Inca conquest of the northern kingdom of Chim\u00fa (Chimor), which began circa 1470, had a significant and far-reaching impact on the Inca\u2019s government and society. The Sapa Inca’s political power significantly increased, altering the balance of power in the region.<\/p>\n This conquest focused on the coastal regions of northern Peru and Ecuador and was of great importance in Inca history. The assimilation of Chim\u00fa territories and cultural practices into the Inca Empire largely modified and strengthened Inca society.<\/p>\n Chimu was a remarkable society, and the splendor and wealth of the lord of this northern kingdom, his nobles, and the court were impressive. The wealth displayed by the Chimu elites was admired, and the Inca desired to emulate everything that could strengthen their empire.<\/p>\n Due to his divine lineage, the Sapa Inca was revered as a sacred figure during his lifetime. As a direct descendant of the solar deity Inti, he was considered one of his progeny.<\/p>\n Inca Roca, Sixth Sapa Inca, 1 of 14 Portraits of Inca Kings. Online collection of Brooklyn Museum. Public Domain<\/em><\/p>\n A Sapa Inca was polygamous, meaning he could have many wives. He wore a hat made of gold and feathers, clothes covered in jewels, and huge gold earrings. He wore an outfit once; after that, it was burned. The deceased Sapa Inca was mummified and kept in his palace.<\/p>\n His divine connection was significant during his reign and after his death. His mummified remains became one of the most sacred objects in the empire, leading to the creation of the imperial ancestor cult, which revered him as a divine entity.<\/p>\n The Sapa Inca, who held unquestionable authority over the Inca Empire, occupied the top of the social hierarchy. His rule extended to all aspects of governance and ownership, symbolizing his complete control over the empire.<\/em><\/p>\n While he held the position of commander-in-chief and was theoretically the principal field general, his direct involvement in military operations decreased as the empire expanded.<\/em> Instead, he delegated field command to generals and officers, often individuals with close familial ties to him. This transition in his military role evolved to respond to the growing complexity of the empire’s military affairs.<\/p>\n The Incan social order was well-organized. The empire’s social hierarchy system was strict, one can say, even harsh, but it made for a stable society. <\/em>People knew what was expected.<\/p>\n Portrait of Atahualpa, the last Inca Emperor. Ethnological Museum of Berlin, Germany – Public Domain<\/em><\/p>\n Inca\u2019s military personnel included generals, officers, and ethnic leaders of combat units. The Sapa Inca had a personal guard known as the \u2018orejones\u2019 (in Spanish: “large ears.”) The Orejones elite group was primarily composed of members from the Cuzco aristocracy.<\/p>\n As the \u2018only emperor\u2019 or \u2018unique Inca,\u2019 he had divine right over the people in all the villages in the empire. He was at the top of the social order. Below him were the four Prefects (Apu), each administering a quarter of the empire. They made up the Sapa Inca\u2019s Supreme Council. Under them were the provincial governors, the Tocricoc Apu, who lived in the outlying capitals and acted as government administrators and judges. Then came native rulers of tribes or villages, the so-called \u2018curacao,\u2019 and the \u2018canyon\u2019 (leaders of a district or community within a town).<\/p>\n He was both a religious and political figure and according to the Incas, politics, and religion were intertwined. The Inca considered their ruler, the Sapa Inca, divine. Some reportedly had up to a hundred children. Upon death, a favored son succeeded him, not necessarily the eldest.<\/p>\n Statue of the ninth\u00a0Sapa Inca, Pachacutiq, Machupicchu Pueblo in Peru. Image credit. Elemaki – CC BY 2.5<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Who](\"https:\/\/www.ancientpages.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mancosapaincacapacjulky29.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe Sapa Inca And Social Order<\/h2>\n
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