Inca Civil War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inca Civil War |
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 Emperor Atahualpa, the victorious brother, however, his reign as emperor was short. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Inca Empire Tumebamba Tumipampa |
Northern Inca Empire | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Huascar (POW) Atoc † Hango † Topa Atao (POW) Ullco Colla † Tito Atauchi Uampa Yupanqui Guanca Auqui Agua Panti Paca Yupanqui |
Atahualpa Chalkuchimac Quisquis Rumiñahui Ucumari Tomay Rima † |
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| Strength | |||||||
| ~400,000; 100,000 Cañaris, 2 000 000 reservist |
Initially 50,000-100,000 At peak some 250,000 |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| At least 100,000 killed Tumebamba destroyed |
Unknown | ||||||
The Inca Civil War was a big fight within the Inca Empire. It was also called the Inca Dynastic War or the Inca War of Succession. This war happened between two brothers, Huáscar and Atahualpa. They were both sons of the previous emperor, Huayna Capac. The brothers fought to decide who would become the next ruler of the vast Inca Empire.
The war started after their father, Huayna Capac, passed away in 1527. The fighting lasted from 1529 until 1532. When their father died, the empire was split between the two brothers. Huáscar received the larger part, which included the capital city of Cusco. Atahualpa received the northern areas, including the city of Quito.
Contents
Why the Inca Civil War Started
The Inca Civil War began because of a disagreement over who should rule the empire.
The Emperor's Death and Succession
When Emperor Huayna Capac died, he did not clearly name his successor. This created a problem because both of his sons, Huáscar and Atahualpa, believed they had the right to be the next emperor.
- Huáscar: He was in Cusco, the traditional capital. He felt he was the rightful heir because he was from the main royal line and was in the capital.
- Atahualpa: He was in the northern part of the empire, in Quito. He had a strong army and many loyal commanders who had fought with his father.
Dividing the Empire
Before the war, the empire was divided. Huáscar got the southern part with Cusco. Atahualpa got the northern part with Quito. This division was meant to keep peace, but it led to more tension. Huáscar wanted to rule the entire empire, believing it should not be split.
The Two Brothers and Their Armies
The war was a clash between two powerful leaders and their loyal followers.
Huáscar's Strengths and Weaknesses
Huáscar was based in Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. He had the support of many traditional Inca nobles. However, he was not as experienced in leading large armies in battle as his brother. His commanders sometimes struggled against Atahualpa's forces.
Atahualpa's Military Skill
Atahualpa proved to be a very skilled military leader. He had spent a lot of time with his father's army in the northern campaigns. His generals, like Chalkuchimac and Quisquis, were also very talented. Atahualpa's army was well-trained and very loyal to him. They were ready to fight for their leader and expand his power.
Key Events of the War
The war involved several important battles across the Inca Empire.
Early Victories for Atahualpa
Atahualpa's armies quickly showed their strength. They won several important battles in the northern and central parts of the empire. His generals used clever strategies to defeat Huáscar's forces. These early wins gave Atahualpa's side a big advantage and boosted their confidence.
The March Towards Cusco
As Atahualpa's armies moved south, they captured important cities and regions. The final major battle took place near Cusco, the capital city. Huáscar's forces tried to defend the capital, but Atahualpa's army was too strong.
Atahualpa's Victory
In 1532, Atahualpa's forces won the war. They captured Huáscar, and Atahualpa became the sole ruler of the reunited Inca Empire. His victory brought an end to the long and destructive civil war.
The Impact of the Civil War
The Inca Civil War had a huge impact on the future of the Inca Empire.
A Weakened Empire
Even though Atahualpa won, the war left the Inca Empire weaker. Many people had died, and cities like Tumebamba were destroyed. The fighting had also divided the Inca people, making it harder for them to unite against a new threat.
Arrival of the Spanish
Just as the civil war ended, a group of Spanish explorers, called conquistadors, arrived in Peru. They were led by Francisco Pizarro. The Spanish found the Inca Empire recovering from a long and difficult war. This made it easier for the Spanish to conquer the Inca. Atahualpa's rule as emperor was very short. He was captured by the Spanish less than a year after winning the civil war.
The Inca Civil War played a big part in the Spanish success in taking over the Inca Empire. It showed how internal conflicts can weaken even the strongest empires.
Images for kids
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Inca Empire under the control of Atahualpa. It was almost coterminous with the former Chinchay Suyu province
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Huáscar, who was defeated in the war between him and his brother
See also
In Spanish: Guerra civil incaica para niños
