kids encyclopedia robot

Sapa Inca facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Aguas Calientes
A statue of Pachacuti, a Sapa Inca, wearing the royal crown in Aguas Calientes, Peru.

The Sapa Inca was the powerful leader of the Inca Empire. The words Sapa Inca mean "The Great Inca" or "The Only Inca" in Quechua, the language spoken by the Inca people.

According to ancient stories, the very first Sapa Inca was Manco Cápac. He lived around 1200 CE. Legend says he was the son of Inti, the sun god. Manco Cápac became the Sapa Inca after a god sent him on a journey. His mission was to find the perfect spot for a city and build it. He founded the city of Cuzco and brought together the different tribes living nearby.

What Was a Sapa Inca?

Pachacutec siglo XVI
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who ruled as Sapa Inca from 1438 to 1471 or 1472.

The role of Sapa Inca was passed down from father to son. This means it was a hereditary position. The Sapa Inca had complete and total power over the Inca people. Whatever he said became the law. He was also the top commander of the entire military.

The Sapa Inca lived a very rich and luxurious life. He had many wives, servants, and lots of valuable treasures. When a Sapa Inca died, his body was carefully prepared. It was then mummified, which means preserved like a mummy.

How the Inca Empire Grew

The Inca Empire became very large and strong under its leaders. It reached its biggest size when Huayna Capac was the Sapa Inca (from 1493 to 1527). At that time, the empire stretched from what is now Argentina all the way to Ecuador.

However, much of this growth happened before Huayna Capac. Tupac Inca Yupanqui, who ruled from 1471 to 1493, expanded the empire greatly. He conquered the Kingdom of Chimor, which was a big rival to the Inca. He also added lands in modern-day Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia to the empire.

The Last Sapa Incas

Atahualpa was the very last Sapa Inca before the Spanish arrived. He was killed by the Spanish invaders in 1533. After Atahualpa, the Spanish put several other people in the role of Sapa Inca. These leaders were under Spanish control.

The last person to hold the title of Sapa Inca was Tupac Amaru. He was also killed by the Spanish in 1572. This marked the end of the Sapa Inca's rule.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Inca para niños

kids search engine
Sapa Inca Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.