Five lives that frame Tawantinsuyu — founder, loser, rebel, invader, last Inca.
Son of Huayna Capac crowned in Cuzco by nobles; half-brother Atahualpa held the Quito veterans. Huáscar alienated priests by seizing mummy lands, lost battles at Chimborazo and Quipaypan, was captured and forced to watch his wives killed. Murdered on Atahualpaʼs order as Pizarro approached. His mummy was burned by Quito troops — no tomb survives (WHE).
First Sapa Inca of legend: with sister-wife Mama Ocllo rose from Titicaca or Pacaritambo cave, golden staff sinking at Cuzco. Founded the Hanan dynasty, built the first Coricancha hut, divided Cuzco into moieties. Whether man or myth, every Sapa Inca to Atahualpa traced the capac blood to him.
Young son of Huayna crowned by Pizarro as puppet 1533. Escaped 1536, raised 100,000 men, besieged Cuzco for 10 months — almost retook it until Spanish cavalry and native allies held Sacsayhuamán. Retreated to Vilcabamba cloud-forest, raided for 8 years, murdered 1544 by renegade Spaniards he sheltered. Sons Sayri Topac, Titu Cusi, Túpac Amaru carried on.
Illiterate Extremaduran pig-herder turned conquistador; with 168 men seized Atahualpa 1532, took Cuzco 1533, founded Lima 1535. Distributed the greatest plunder in history, then was stabbed 26 June 1541 in Lima by followers of murdered partner Almagro — civil war among thieves. Buried in Lima cathedral.
Last Sapa Inca of Vilcabamba. Captured Sept 1572 after jungle chase, dragged to Cuzco, beheaded in the plaza before thousands weeping. Head displayed, then buried with honours — even Spaniards wept. Name reborn 1780 with Túpac Amaru IIʼs great revolt and today in Peruʼs anthem-memory.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Inca_Civilization/https://www.britannica.com/topic/IncaOne staff sank; an empire rose; one sword fell; the mountains kept it.— on Cuzco to Vilcabamba