The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2

by Pedro de Cieza de León

How Tupac Inca Yupanqui marched by the coast valleys, and how all the Yuncas came under his dominion.

AS the King Tupac Inca had determined to go to the coast valleys, to bring the inhabitants under his sway, he descended to that of Tumbez, and was respectfully received by the people; to whom he showed much kindness, and put on the dress which they usually wore, to give them more contentment. He commended the principal men for wishing to receive him as their lord without going to war, and promised to look upon them as his own children. They, being well satisfied to hear his good words and to see the way in which he treated them, gave their obedience in good faith, allowing governors to remain with them, and buildings to be erected. But some Indians affirm that Tupac Inca passed on without making any settlement in this district, and that there was none until the reign of Huayna Ccapac. If we attend to everything they say, we shall never come to any conclusion.

Leaving this valley, the Inca visited the others on the sea coast, making a royal road as he travelled, very large and grand, as may be seen from what now remains of it. In most parts he was served, and the people came to him with presents, but occasionally there was resistance to his advance. However, there was no part where the people did not eventually submit and become his vassals. In these valleys he rested for some days, drinking and enjoying his pleasures, while he rejoiced to look upon the beauty of the country. Great edifices and temples were built by his order. They say that in the valley of Chimu there was a fierce war with the lord, and that, in one battle, the Incas were very nearly being defeated at all points. But his soldiers were at last able to prevail and to conquer their enemies. Tupac Inca, by his clemency, pardoned them, ordering that those who remained alive should continue the sowing of their lands, and should not again take up arms. The Inca’s delegate remained in Chimu, and the rest of the valley sent their tribute to Caxamalca. As the natives were expert in the working of metals, many were sent to Cuzco, and to the capitals of provinces, where they worked gold and silver ornaments and vases, and any other things that were ordered.[218] From Chimu the Inca passed on to Parmunquilla[219] where he ordered a fortress to be built. It may still be seen, though abandoned and in ruins.

These Yuncas were very refined, and the lords were luxurious and fond of festivities. They travelled on the shoulders of vassals, had many women, were rich in gold and silver, cloth, precious stones, and flocks. In those times they were served with much pomp. Heralds and buffoons went before them, porters attended on them, and they observed religious ceremonies. Some voluntarily submitted to the Inca, while others took up arms against him; but finally he remained sovereign and lord over the whole of them. He did not deprive them of their liberties, nor prohibit their ancient customs, so that they might adopt others. He left expert men who could instruct them in all that the Inca desired they should understand; and great care was taken that they should learn the general language. He caused mitimaes to be established, and posts along the roads. A moderate tribute was imposed, and that which was given as tribute was to be the produce of their own land, so that the people need not seek it from afar; justice was maintained, but what was promised by the people must be fulfilled. If not, the loss was their own, and the Inca recovered his full revenue. No native lord received a lordship; but many men were taken out of the valleys and removed to others, or were removed to other parts to perform the duties they understood.

The Inca marched through the remaining valleys in the best order possible, not permitting any injury whatever to be done, either in the towns or in the fields that he passed. The natives had plenty of provisions collected in the storehouses that had been built along the road. In this way the Inca advanced until he arrived at the valley of Pachacamac, where was the very ancient and sacred temple of the Yuncas, which he wished very much to see. When he arrived at that valley, they say that he only wished that there should be a Temple of the Sun; but as he found that the existing temple was so revered and esteemed by the natives, he did not venture to alter anything. He contented himself with causing a great house of the Sun to be made, with mama-conas and priests, that sacrifices might be offered up in accordance with his religion.[220] Many Indians say that the Inca himself spoke with the devil who was in the idol of Pachacamac, and that he heard how the idol was the creator of the world and other nonsense, which I do not put down, because it is not worth while. It is also said that the Inca besought the idol to tell him with what service he would be most pleased and honoured, and that the devil replied that they should sacrifice to him much blood of human beings and of sheep.

After this they say that great sacrifices were offered up in Pachacamac by Tupac Inca Yupanqui, and great festivals were celebrated. The Inca then returned to Cuzco by a road which he made, crossing the snowy range of Pariacaca,[221] and coming out in the valley of Xauxa. It is no small sight to behold the grandeur of that range, and what great terraces it has, and to this day men pass by that snow-covered region. Visiting the mountainous provinces, and ordering and providing what was most conducive to good government, the Inca arrived at Cuzco, where he was received with great festivities and dances, while many sacrifices were offered up in the temple, to commemorate his victories.

CHAPTER LIX.

How Tupac Inca again set out from Cuzco, and of the fierce war he waged with those of Huarco; and how, after he had conquered them, he returned to Cuzco.

THE province of Chincha was, in former days, an important part of this kingdom of Peru, and very populous, insomuch that, before the time of Tupac Inca, the Chinchas, with their captains, had made incursions as far as the Collao, whence they returned to their province with great spoils.[222] Hence they had always been respected and feared by their neighbours. It is said that the Inca, father of Tupac Inca, had sent from the country of the Soras a captain named Ccapac Inca, to persuade the Chinchas to come under his dominion. Although he went and induced some of them to agree, it was but a small part, for the rest rose up in arms, and prepared to defend their country in such sort that the Orejon made the best of his way back again.[223] They had not again seen a captain of the Incas, as they themselves declare, until they were subjugated by Tupac Inca. In this matter, I know no more than what the people themselves relate.

Returning to the narrative, after the Inca had gone back to Cuzco, as has been mentioned, and had devoted as many days as he pleased to enjoying himself and to amusements, he gave orders for the assembly of another army, to complete the conquest of the coast region. His commands were obeyed; and soon the captains of the provinces with their contingents of troops arrived at Cuzco. After having made arrangements for the government of the city, he set out from Cuzco, and came down to the coast by the road of Huatara.[224] His approach being known, many waited with the intention of accepting him as their lord, and many others were resolved to make war, and, if possible, to maintain their liberties. In the valley of Nasca there were many people and preparations for war.