CHAPTER VII
EMPIRE
The land of the Incas! the land of the sovereign city! the land of the sacred vale! The land converted from the home of many contending tribes, to a realm obedient to one king and lord. This change had been due to the great military skill and administrative ability of the two generals, Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau. It was a work of many years, but it was completed.
The land of the Incas was 250 miles in length by 60 in width. It is bounded on its western side by the river Apurimac, 'chief of the speaking waters,'[1] dashing down a profound ravine with precipitous sides. On the east was the Vilcamayu, 'the sacred river,'[2] flowing from the 'sacred lake' (Vilca uñuta) at the foot of the lofty snowy peak which is visible from Cuzco, rising majestically into the azure sky. Unlike the Apurimac, the Vilcamayu irrigates a wide and fertile valley unsurpassed for beauty in the wide world. To the south this classic land is separated from the basin of Lake Titicaca by the knot of Vilcañota, which connects the eastern and maritime Cordilleras. To the north the wild mountains of Vilcapampa finally sink down into the tropical Amazonian forests.
BRIDGE OVER THE APURIMAC
Between the rivers there are four zones, in which the aspects of the land differ, mainly owing to varying elevations above the sea. To the south there is a vast extent of lofty tableland, with a very rigorous climate, where there were flocks of llamas, some scattered villages, and a few large lakes. Next, to the north, is the region of mountains and valleys with drainage to the two rivers. This was the most densely inhabited zone, yielding crops of maize and of edible roots. In its centre is Cuzco, with its two torrents of Huatanay and Tulumayu, uniting and then flowing down its long valley to join the sacred river. There were other valleys with picturesque lakes, and ravines filled with trees and flowering bushes. The lakes were frequented by a large goose (huallata), two ducks (nuñuma and huachua), flamingoes, cranes, herons, egrets, and a black ibis, as well as the Andean gull (quellua). The sides of the hills were occupied by terraced cultivation, but above the terraces the slopes were frequented by partridges (yutu) and quails (chuy), plover (llecco-llecco) and the Andean hare or uiscacha. Sometimes a condor might be made out, far up in the sky, like a black speck, while eagles (anca) and falcons (alcamari and huaman) are occasionally seen, soaring in mid air. Other birds, at these great elevations, are the chihua, a sort of thrush, the chanquiri or crow, and a few of the finch tribe.
In this country of lakes and well-watered ravines was the Tampu-tocco district, on the Apurimac side, whence the Ayar Manco marched to Cuzco. Here, too, were the territories of the Muynas, Pinahuas, Huayllacans, Canchis, Caviñas, Ayamarcas, and other tribes. The great elevation only admitted of a somewhat lowly flora. Yet it is the native place of the graceful Schinus molli tree, with its pinnate leaves and bunches of red berries. With it there are several large flowering bushes called chilca, compositæ belonging to Baccharis Molina and Eupatorium, and tasta (Stereoxylon patens). Higher up are the queñua, ccolli, and quisuar trees, and the tola bush already described. There are ferns too, and many wild flowers. Chief among them ranked the golden lily (Amaryllis aurea) and a red liliaceous flower. The cantut was a bright-coloured phlox, much used for garlands. The meadows and ravines were also enlivened by salvias, valerians, calceolarias, lupins, some large yellow compositæ, a convolvulus, a tropœolum, and many herbs used medicinally.
Above these pleasant valleys, and on either side of Cuzco, are two lofty plateaux, desolate and frequented only by shepherds and their flocks. Between the city and the Vilcamayu valley is the highland of Chita. On the Apurimac side is the wild region whither the kidnapped prince was sent by the chief of Ayamarca. The third zone, further north, comprises the vast plain of Suriti or Ychupampa, and the plateau overlooking the sacred valley. From the crest of the Apurimac gorge the road leads up over the two pleasant valleys of Mollepata and Rimac-tampu, and then by a slight ascent to the great plain covered with grass and reeds, where there are occasionally swamps and morasses. This plain is surrounded by mountains; on their slopes are picturesque little towns, such as Suriti and Anta, and at its south-eastern end a ravine leads down, by Iscuchaca, to the city of Cuzco, about twelve miles distant. There are swamps, but there are also vast tracts of ychu or coarse grass, where the llama flocks of Anta find pasture. Towards the end of winter storms of thunder and lightning, with rain, pass rapidly over the plain. It is an indescribably grand sight to see these storms drifting across, with the sun shining behind them, and causing exquisite effects of light and shade, while snowy egrets and darker curlew whirl in circles over the swamps.
East of the Suriti plain, which is an ideal battlefield, there is a plateau overlooking the Vilcamayu valley. Here are the small towns of Maras and Chinchero, with cultivated patches round them, on the verge of the descent.
But the gem of the land of the Incas is the sacred valley, the 'valley' par excellence, as it was called. Rising in the sacred lake at the foot of the snowy peak of Vilcañota, the valley of Vilcamayu increases in fertility and beauty as the river descends. The most lovely part is from Pissac to Ollantay-tampu, where the mighty Andes sends up its snowy peaks on one side, and precipitous cliffs bound the other. The groves of fine trees are alive with singing-birds—the checollo, with a song like our nightingale, the pretty tuyas and chaynas, the bright-plumaged ccamantira and choccla-poccochi, and the ccenti, or humming-bird. Here, too, are doves and pigeons, the urpi and cullcu, and the golden-breasted quitu. There are also many small green paroquets. In the valley are raised splendid crops of maize, unequalled elsewhere, grown on terraces arranged in patterns, and the fruit gardens are filled with chirimoya, palta, lucuma, and paccay trees, up which twine the passion flowers with their refreshing fruit. In this enchanting valley the Incas had their most delightful country palace of Yucay, with extensive baths and gardens. The wide world might be searched without finding a rival, in enchanting beauty, to the sacred valley of the Incas.
The most northern zone is occupied by the wild mountainous district of Vilcapampa, between the two rivers, here forty miles apart.
This land of the Incas had been brought under a settled government, and there was a breathing time of peace. But intrigue and discontent were rife in Cuzco. Uira-cocha Inca, who was old and wholly under the influence of his concubine Ccuri-chulpa, had passed over all his legitimate sons, and declared the bastard Urco to be his heir. The two veteran generals, Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau, and the legitimate sons, were resolved that this should not be. There was internal trouble ahead, but much greater danger threatened from without. While the Incas were consolidating their rule between the two rivers, the heads of other confederacies were doing the same elsewhere. The most formidable confederacy was that of the Chancas. The founders of this powerful kingdom were two chiefs named Uscovilca and Ancovilca. They established their principal seat in the extensive and fertile valley of Andahuaylas, and their descendants had conquered the greater part of the western and northern districts of the Andes. The Chanca chiefs were warlike and ambitious, and they had a great military force at their command.
The chiefs of the Chancas were two brothers named Asto-huaraca and Tomay-huaraca, proud and insolent warriors who could not endure the existence of any neighbours who maintained their independence. The river Apurimac separated their territory from that of the children of the sun, and they resolved to bring the Inca under subjection. They sent a messenger to Cuzco demanding submission, and, without waiting for an answer, they crossed the Apurimac with a numerous army, advancing over the great plain of Suriti or Ychupampa. In their wars the Chancas carried an image of their founder, Uscovilca, in front of the army, because it had hitherto always led them to victory. They called it Anco Ayllu.
The news of the rapid approach of this formidable army spread consternation in Cuzco, in the midst of the intrigues about the succession of Urco. The old Inca had not the courage to face the enemy, and resolved upon flight to a strongly fortified position, called Caquia Saquis-ahuana, overlooking Pissac in the valley. His way took him over the highlands of Chita. His illegitimate sons, Urco and Sucso, fled with him, and a great following of Orejones and their families. Cuzco was deserted and left to its fate. The Inca encamped on the plateau of Chita to await events, before finally shutting himself up in Caquia Saquis-ahuana. He had hopes from negotiation with the Chancas.
The two old generals and the legitimate sons refused to leave Cuzco. They declared that they would die in defence of their homes, and of the gods of their people. Three other chiefs remained with them, but all the force they could collect consisted of little more than their own personal followers.
Who was to command this forlorn hope? There was not a day to lose. The enemy was almost at the gates. The generals declared for the youngest of the Inca's sons, Prince Cusi, who had just reached his twentieth year. He was a child of destiny. Rocca had laid the foundations. Cusi was the builder of the empire. It was a remarkable testimony to his genius that, not only the old generals, but his elder brothers accepted him as their leader and remained faithful to him to the end. His seven chiefs were enthusiastic, but that was not enough. The odds were terrible, apparently hopeless. Seven leaders and perhaps 700 followers, not more, rallied round the young prince:
1. Vicaquirau, his great-uncle;
2. Apu Mayta, his first cousin twice removed;
generals, and heroes of a hundred battles.
3. Rocca, his eldest brother;
4. Paucar, his next eldest brother;
able and experienced officers.
5. Urco Huaranca, chief of Quilliscancha (a Cuzco suburb).
6. Chima Chaui Pata.
7. Mircay-maña, tutor to Prince Cusi.
Cusi first saw that every man was well armed, and trained, and in high spirits. He did not conceal the odds from them, yet he assured the little band of heroes that the Deity was on their side. He sent out summonses to all the vassals, but with little or no success. He exhorted the few who remained in the suburbs to defend their homes. He went especially to the Quilliscancha suburb accompanied by its brave chief, Urco Huaranca. Here there was some enthusiasm, and it was clear that he would find support. Moreover, arrangements were made to obtain information through a Quilliscancha scout. The armed leader of the suburb was a valiant and stalwart lady named Chañan-ccuri-coca, on whose loyalty the prince placed reliance. Having made all the preparations that were possible with the small means at his command, Cusi retired to a lonely place to pray to his god. There is a fountain called the Susur Puquio, between Iscuchaca and Cuzco, a secluded spot where a stream, shaded by molle trees, falls over some rocks. Here Prince Cusi knelt in prayer. He had a vision. A figure, resplendent and dazzling, appeared to him in the air, which he knew to be his father the sun. He was consoled and animated for the battle, with the assurance that he would conquer the Chancas. The prince returned to his followers, and imparted to them the enthusiasm by which he was himself inspired. A number of vassals came from a distance, but more inclined to look on than to fight. They took to the hills to watch the event.
The Chancas advanced in great numbers, full of confidence, without order, and expecting little or no resistance. One of the scouts sent by Urco Huaranca rushed into the prince's presence crying, 'To arms! To arms! The foe is upon us.' The Chancas were entering Cuzco, but met with a stubborn resistance in the Quilliscancha suburb. Prince Cusi was ready, and all his plans were laid. Followed closely by the aged generals, his elder brothers, and their followers, in a compact phalanx, he made a sudden and furious flank attack, forcing his way in like a wedge, and making straight for the statue and standard of Uscovilca. While a furious battle was raging in the suburb, Asto-huaraca and Tomay-huaraca rallied their guards to defend their standard. But the flank attack was so furious and so well sustained, that the Chancas were amazed and thrown into confusion. Prince Cusi was so dexterous with his weapon that no one could resist him, and he hewed his way straight for the standard. He was ably sustained by his followers, and there was great havoc. The Chanca chiefs lost heart and ordered a retreat.
When the crowds of recreant vassals on the hills saw this, they came down to join the little Inca force, converting the retreat into a rout. This explains the story, told by several writers, that the sun made armed men rise out of the earth to complete the victory. The Chanca standard and the spoils of their camp were captured.
The greatness of this victory, which saved the Inca realm from complete destruction, was as astonishing as it was unexpected. Prince Cusi was hailed as the Inca Pachacuti, the ninth bearing that title, counting those of the old dynasties. Henceforward he was known by no other name. He refused to allow a triumphal ceremony for himself, but sent Urco Huaranca with all the spoils to his father at the camp on the Chita highlands, that he might tread upon them, according to the usual custom. Uira-cocha refused to do this himself, but delegated the duty to his son Urco, as the heir to the kingdom. Urco Huaranca was furious, declaring that no coward should triumph by the deeds of Pachacuti, and returning with the spoils to Cuzco.
We hear no more of the great generals, Vicaquirau and Apu Mayta. They either found a glorious death on the battlefield or died soon afterwards at a great age. Pachacuti's eldest brother, Rocca, was his most trusted general. There was no longer any difficulty about raising troops, and an efficient army was organised, well drilled and armed with slings, arrows, axes, and clubs. For the Chancas, though repulsed, were by no means crushed. They retired to the great plain of Ychupampa, received large reinforcements from the other side of the Apurimac, and prepared for another march upon Cuzco. But now the Inca Pachacuti was strong enough to take the initiative, and he made such a rapid march that he found the Chanca army still encamped on the great plain. The hostile chiefs, encouraged by the arrival of large reinforcements, had regained much of their confidence. Their army was as numerous as before the defeat, their principal weapons being long lances. When the chiefs saw the approach of the Inca army, they sent an insolent message threatening to dye their lances with the Inca's blood if he did not at once submit and become a tributary vassal. Pachacuti calmly replied that no more time could be wasted in talk, and that God would give the victory to whom he pleased. He marched onwards with his army, following closely on the heels of the messenger.
The contending forces closed in deadly hand-to-hand combat, and the battle raged for a long time without advantage on either side. At last Pachacuti, with his immediate guards, hewed his way through the hostile ranks to where Asto-huaraca was fighting. There was a duel, and the Chanca chief was slain. His colleague, Tomay-huaraca, was already killed. The Inca ordered the heads of the two chiefs to be raised up on their own lances. This caused a panic, and the hostile army broke and fled. The Orejones followed in pursuit, doing great execution, few escaping over the terrific gorge of the Apurimac in their rear.
The power of the great confederacy was completely broken. It was a death struggle. For a long time the balance seemed to incline to the Chancas. The valour and genius of Cusi, the Pachacuti, turned the scale, and the empire of the Incas was the result. The tributary vassals of the Chancas, over a vast area, soon changed their allegiance, some after slight resistance, but the greater number voluntarily and with good will.
Pachacuti went in person to his father, who had now taken refuge in his stronghold called Caquia Saquis-ahuana, with the prisoners and spoils, requesting the old man to tread upon them according to custom. He still desired that his favourite son Urco should perform the ceremony, but was at last persuaded to comply with the custom himself. It was called Muchanacu.
On his return to Cuzco there was a solemn sacrifice to the sun, and the Inca Pachacuti was crowned with the fringe, and proclaimed sole lord and sovereign in the lifetime of his father. Most of the Orejones who had fled with Uira-cocha returned to Cuzco. Soon after his accession the news reached Pachacuti that Urco had assembled forces in the valley, whether with or without the connivance of his father is uncertain. The Inca, with his brother Rocca, at once marched against the insurgents. Urco received a blow on the neck from a stone hurled by his brother Rocca. He fell into the river and was carried down to a rock called Chupillusca, a league below Ollantay-tampu, where he tried to land, but was killed by his brothers.[3] They then sought an interview with their father, who refused to see the Inca, but Rocca forced his way into the old man's presence and upbraided him. Uira-cocha continued to live in his stronghold of Caquia Saquis-ahuana, where he died and was buried. In his prime he loved gorgeous display, and we are told that he was the inventor of a kind of rich cloth or brocade called Tocapu. The name of his stronghold may have reference to this, for Ahuana means a loom. Caquia may be rendered 'my possession' or 'property.'[4]
The Prince Cusi was the builder of the empire, the foundations of which were laid by Rocca. The elaborate religious ceremonial, the methods of recording events, the military organisation, the self-working social system were his work. It may seem incredible that the whole fabric of Andean civilisation should be the work of one man, and it would be if he had created it. But Cusi was not the creator. He was the Pachacuti, the reformer. Over all the regions that he conquered there were the same ideas and habits of thought, and of living, dialects of the same original language, and the same faint memories of an almost forgotten past. Pachacuti worked upon these materials with the skill and foresight of a profound statesman. His grand object was attained, for he welded together a homogeneous empire with such masterly thoroughness in all its complicated details that its machinery worked almost automatically.
Pachacuti was a great conqueror as well as a great administrator. The immediate consequence of the final victory over the Chancas and of the disruption of their confederacy was the addition of a vast territory to the land of the Incas.[5] The country beyond the Apurimac, between that river and the Pachachaca, submitted at once. It was the land of the Quichuas, very closely allied to the Incas. The next region, between the river Pachachaca and the Pampas, containing the beautiful valley of Andahuaylas, the chief seat of the Chancas, also submitted. The Chancas even added an important contingent to the Inca army. Beyond the Pampas, the Soras and Lucanas, hardy mountaineers, submitted after a brief struggle. These were the first fruits of the victory over the Chancas. Pachacuti next invaded the basin of Lake Titicaca, and the whole region was annexed after three hard- fought campaigns against the Collas.
Then followed a campaign during which the whole northern region of the Andes, as far as Caxamarca, was added to the empire.
By this time Pachacuti was well stricken in years. His eldest son was Amaru Tupac, a very able and successful general, who was, at one time, intended to be his heir. But the question of the succession was a very important one, and something more was needed than a successful general. By his wife Anahuarqui, the Inca had another son, also named Tupac, in whom the great statesman saw the germs of such genius as would fit him to succeed to the responsibility of guiding an empire. After an interview with his father, the eldest son, Amaru, accepted the situation and remained loyal to his younger brother until death. Young Tupac went through the ceremony of being armed, and then proceeded on a great northern campaign. The countries of Huamanca, Jauja, Huanucu, Caxamarca, and Chachapoyas were united to the empire, as well as the coast valleys. Young Tupac also subdued the Cañaris, and extended his conquests to Quito. He then descended to the coast, annexing the country of Manta, with its emeralds, and even making a successful voyage over the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos Islands.
The end of the great emperor came at last, after a memorable reign of more than half a century. He had his sons and his councillors around him. Addressing Tupac, he said: 'My son, you know how many great nations I leave to you, and you know what labour they have cost me. Mind that you are the man to keep and augment them.' He made his other sons plough furrows and he gave them weapons, in token that they were to serve and to fight for their sovereign. He turned to Tupac saying, 'Care for them, and they will serve you.' He expressed some wishes about his obsequies, ordering that his body should be placed in his palace of Pata-llacta. Then he began to croon in a low and sad voice:
'I was born as a flower of the field,
As a flower I was cherished in my youth,
I came to my full age, I grew old;
Now I am withered and die.'
He told those around him that he went to rest with his father the sun—and so he departed, the greatest man that the American race has ever produced.
Tupac was a worthy successor. He continued and consolidated the work of his father. As his power and the extent of the empire increased, the Incas assumed greater state and magnificence. With Pachacuti apparently, and certainly with Tupac, the custom of marrying sisters was commenced. Like the Ptolemies, the Incas resorted to this method of making their family a race apart from the rest of mankind and almost divine.
Tupac was second only to his father as an administrator and a general. His first campaign as a sovereign was a most difficult one. He penetrated far into the primeval forests to the east of the Andes. He then completely subjugated the Collas, and Chile as far as the river Maule. His long reign extended over upwards of sixty years, mainly a period of consolidation. He established a firm and settled government on the lines laid down by his father. When he felt the approach of death, he retired to his palace of Chinchero, overlooking the sacred valley, with a glorious view of the snowy mountains. The walls of this palace are still standing. The dying Inca sent for his relations and councillors, and announced to them that his heir and successor was to be the young Prince Cusi Hualpa, his legitimate son by his sister and wife, Mama Ocllo. He then sank down among his pillows and died at the great age of eighty-five years.
Cusi Hualpa was then with his tutors at Quispicancha, in the valley. He was brought to Cuzco, and invested with all the insignia of royalty; and his accession was announced to the people in the Rimac-pampa, an open space near the temple of the sun. Surprised at the youthful appearance of their sovereign, their acclamations were mingled with cries of 'Huayna! Huayna!' (the boy-king, the boy-king). From thenceforward his surname was Huayna Ccapac. After a few years of administration at Cuzco, the young Inca made a visitation of all his dominions from Chile to Quito. The last part of his reign was occupied with a very ably conducted campaign on the extreme northern borders of his empire, and he died at Quito in 1525, the last of the great imperial Incas, great in peace as in war.
The six Incas, from Rocca to Huayna, may, with fair probability, be given a period of 300 years; and the Ayar Manco's date would be about 1100 A.D.
- ↑ Apu, chief; Rimac, speaker, oracle.
- ↑ Vilca, sacred; Mayu, river.
- ↑ Urco is actually made to succeed by Cieza de Leon, Herrera, Fernandez, and Salcamayhua. Herrera gives his portrait among the Incas which form a border to his frontispiece.
- ↑ Haquis, the Xaquix of other writers, might mean 'left behind,' but the word is doubtful. Xaquixaguana is the name applied by some writers to the great plain of Suriti or Ychupampa. This must surely be a mistake. The refuge to which Uira-cocha fled could not possibly be the site of the battlefield from which he fled.
- ↑ Sarmiento mentions six tribes within the land of the Incas having been subdued after the Chanca war by Pachacuti and his brother Rocca: Ayamarca, Ollantay-Tampu, Cugma, Huata, Huancara, Toguaru. I apprehend this to be a mistake, caused by Rocca's service under his younger brother, and that these tribes were conquered by Rocca before the Chanca war.