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Peru Culture Bulletin


The Inca first appeared in the Andes region during the 12th century A.D. and gradually built a massive kingdom known as Tawantinsuyu. There are many histories around its origins, but either way there is no doubt it was a powerful empire.
 

Lake Titicaca
 

According to legend, everything began in Puno when Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca to find the Inca dynasty. Emerging from the waters of Lake Titicaca, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo arrived at a populated land and were immediately considered divine beings.

The husband and wife were on a mission: if their golden scepter could sink into the earth, then the land was considered fertile and would be the location of an empire.

 

Although Manco Cápac marched north of the huge valley and Mama Ocllo south, the scepter was sunk in the now legendary hill, Huanacauri. This is where the origin of the Inca empire was given.

Cusco
 

As the legend goes, after an immense flood, four young men (the Ayar brothers) and their wives appeared: Ayar Manco and Mama Ocllo, Ayar Cachi and Mama Cora, Ayar Uchu and Mama Rahua, Ayar Auca and Mama Huaco. According to the Inca legend, the group was in search of fertile lands.

 

After a dispute with his brothers, Ayar Cachi was ordered to return to the caves of Pacarina. Once he entered, the exit was sealed with a rock, and he would never be able to leave. The other brothers continued their way to Mount Huanacauri and found a stone idol to which they showed respect—all except Ayar Uchu, who jumped behind the statue and was petrified. The same happened to Ayar Auca who, after continuing the trip, was also turned into stone. Ayar Manco was the only brother who made it to Cusco where he found fertile land. By sinking his golden staff in the earth, he founded Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire.

 
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