Auqui (crown prince) facts for kids

The Auqui (in Quechua: awki) was a very important title in the Inca Empire, also known as Tahuantinsuyu. It was given to the crown prince, who was next in line to become the Sapa Inca (the emperor). While all male children of the Inca were sometimes called auquis, the special title of Auqui was only for one chosen son. Unlike in many other parts of the world, the Incas didn't always choose the oldest son or the son of the main wife. Instead, they picked the son who showed the most skill and ability.

Beyond the royal family, in Inca mythology and today's Andean beliefs, an auqui can also be a protective spirit for a community. This mythical character is believed to live in the mountains and represents the soul of the high peaks. In the Quechua language used today, the word is often used in its plural form, awkikuna.

Who Was the Auqui?

The Auqui was the son of the Sapa Inca (the emperor) and the Qoya (the main empress). As mentioned, he wasn't always the oldest son. The most important thing was that he showed great ability, both in leading the government and in warfare.

Choosing the Next Inca

According to Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, a Spanish explorer and historian, there were times when the oldest son was not chosen. For example, Viracocha Inca's first son, Inca Urco, was seen as not brave enough during a Chanca invasion. So, his brother Pachacuti became the Sapa Inca instead. Another example is Amaru Inca Yupanqui, Pachacuti's son. He was not chosen as Sapan Inca because he was considered to have a weak character. His younger brother, Topa Inca Yupanqui, took his place.

Sometimes, choosing the next Inca could lead to disagreements. When Topa Inca died, his two sons, Huayna Capac and Capac Huari, had a dispute over who would rule. This lasted for two years. Huayna Capac eventually won and became the new Inca.

A Special Adoption Ceremony

If the Sapan Inca's main wife, the Qoya, only had daughters, the next Inca could be chosen from the sons of the Sapan Inca's other wives. Martín de Murúa, a friar and historian, wrote that the Qoya would then adopt the chosen prince. During a special ceremony, the Qoya would sit the prince on her lap and comb his hair. This act made him her adopted son and officially legitimized him as the future ruler.

Training for Leadership

As the crown prince, the Auqui held a very high position in the Inca Panaka (the royal family group). When he became the Sapa Inca, he would leave his old Panaka to create his own.

In some cases, the Auqui would even rule alongside his father, the Sapa Inca. This was called a co-reign. To show his role as co-ruler, he would wear a special yellow tassel. This system helped train the Auqui in how to govern the empire. It also helped show everyone his strengths and weaknesses, making it clearer that he was the right choice to be the next Inca. However, this decision could be changed at any time if the Auqui didn't show enough ability.

Learning to Rule

Inca Roca, for instance, appointed his son Yahuar Huacac as his co-regent. This not only taught the prince about government but also helped his father see if he had the leadership skills needed for the future.

Similarly, after forty years of ruling, Pachacutec decided to name Topa Inca Yupanqui as his successor and co-regent. Topa Inca Yupanqui was the son of the Qoya Mama Anarhuaque, but he was not the firstborn of Pachacutec's many sons.

Becoming the Sapan Inca

The Auqui could only officially become the new Sapa Inca after his father's funeral was completed. At that point, he would wear the red mascapaicha, which was the special symbol of imperial power.

The brothers of the Auqui who did not become Incas were known as Phiwi Churi, meaning "elder sons."

See also

In Spanish: Auqui para niños