Tupac Huallpa facts for kids

Tupac Huallpa (born in the 15th century, died in 1533) was an important leader of the Inca Empire. He was the fourteenth Sapa Inca, which means "unique ruler" or "great Inca." He ruled for only a few months in 1533.

Tupac Huallpa became ruler after his half-brother, Atahualpa, was put to death. Tupac Huallpa was the last Inca ruler to be recognized by the Spanish. He was the son of a powerful Sapa Inca named Huayna Cápac.

A Time of Change in the Inca Empire

Huayna Cápac, Tupac Huallpa's father, died in 1527. After his death, a big civil war started. This was a war between two of his sons: Huáscar and Atahualpa, who were both Tupac Huallpa's half-brothers. They fought to decide who would be the next Sapa Inca.

This war lasted for several years. It finally ended in 1532 when Atahualpa won.

The Spanish Arrive

Soon after Atahualpa's victory, Spanish soldiers arrived in the Inca Empire. They were led by a man named Francisco Pizarro. The Spanish captured Huáscar, one of the brothers who had fought in the civil war. Even though a large payment was made to the Spanish, Huáscar was executed.

Later, in 1533, Atahualpa was also put to death by the Spanish. After Atahualpa's death, the Spanish decided to make Tupac Huallpa the new king of the Incas. He was Huáscar's younger brother. However, Tupac Huallpa's rule was very short, lasting only a few months before he also died in 1533.

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