15 min
The Story of Incas
3500-1800 BC: Early Andean Cultures: The first settled communities in the Andes emerge, including Caral, one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas. Caral is characterized by large pyramidal structures and sophisticated agricultural practices.
1800-800 BC: Chavín Culture: The Chavín civilization flourishes in the highlands of Peru, centered at Chavín de Huantar. Known for its advanced architecture, art, and religious significance, it influences subsequent Andean cultures.
800-200 BC: Paracas Culture: The Paracas culture develops along the southern coast of Peru, noted for its textile art and elaborate burial practices, including the use of large, intricate textiles to wrap mummies.
200 BC - 600 AD: Nazca and Moche Cultures: The Nazca culture thrives on the southern coast, famous for the Nazca Lines, a series of large geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, and its pottery and textiles. The Moche culture dominates the northern coast, known for its sophisticated irrigation systems, monumental architecture (such as the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna), and detailed ceramic art depicting various aspects of their life and mythology.
600-1000 AD: Wari and Tiwanaku Cultures: The Wari Empire, based in the Ayacucho region, expands across much of the central Andes, known for its administrative and military prowess, and its influence on later Andean cultures. The Tiwanaku civilization thrives around Lake Titicaca, recognized for its impressive stone constructions, agricultural innovations, and long-distance trade networks.
1000-1476 AD: Chimú and Chachapoya Cultures: The Chimú Empire, with its capital at Chan Chan, dominates the northern coast. The Chimú are known for their architectural and engineering skills, particularly in constructing large adobe cities and sophisticated irrigation systems. The Chachapoya culture, also known as the "Warriors of the Clouds," inhabits the cloud forests of the northern Andes. They are known for their distinctive stone architecture and sarcophagi.
1200 AD: Foundation of the Inca Civilization: The Inca civilization begins to take shape in the Cusco region of modern-day Peru.
1438 AD: Pachacuti Becomes Emperor: Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui ascends to the throne and begins extensive expansion of the Inca Empire. Under his rule, the Inca start their rapid expansion, conquering neighboring territories.
1450 AD: Machu Picchu was constructed during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who is credited with initiating the Inca expansion and the building of this iconic site. Machu Picchu is believed to have been a royal estate or a sacred religious site for Inca leaders.
1438-1471 AD: Expansion under Pachacuti: The Inca Empire expands significantly, incorporating large areas of modern-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. Pachacuti establishes a centralized government and develops infrastructure, including roads and agricultural terraces.
1471-1493 AD: Reign of Tupac Inca Yupanqui: Pachacuti's son, Tupac Inca Yupanqui, continues expansion. The empire reaches its greatest territorial extent, covering around 2 million square kilometers.
1493-1527 AD: Reign of Huayna Capac: Huayna Capac oversees a period of consolidation and further expansion. He also deals with internal conflicts and rebellions within the empire.
1527 AD: Death of Huayna Capac: Huayna Capac dies, possibly from smallpox introduced by European contact. His death leads to a power struggle between his sons, Atahualpa and Huascar, plunging the empire into civil war.
1532 AD: Spanish Arrival: Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish conquistadors arrive in the Inca Empire. Atahualpa defeats Huascar in the civil war, but the empire is weakened by internal strife.
1533 AD: Capture and Execution of Atahualpa: Pizarro captures Atahualpa in Cajamarca. Despite paying a large ransom, Atahualpa is executed, marking the beginning of the end for the Inca Empire.
1533-1537 AD: Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire: The Spanish continue their conquest, capturing Cusco and subduing remaining Inca resistance. Manco Inca Yupanqui leads a rebellion but ultimately fails to expel the Spanish.
1572 AD: Capture of Tupac Amaru: The last Inca stronghold, Vilcabamba, falls to the Spanish. Tupac Amaru, the final Inca ruler, is captured and executed, effectively ending the Inca Empire.
Post-1572 AD: Colonial Period: The Spanish establish colonial rule over former Inca territories, integrating them into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Inca culture, language, and traditions persist, blending with Spanish influences over time.