The Inca or the Sapa Inca was the emperor, head of state with unlimited powers. There was only one Inca and no other person was called Inca but overtime this name became the term for the society in general. The Sapa Inca was polygamous and he usually married his sister who was his most important wife, she was known as the Coya. Polygamy was common among the royalty and upper classes and for those who could afford it. The Sapa Inca and the Coya lived in separate palaces which were decorated grandly.

Inca dynasty from the Peruvian School Painting. Christie’s Collection

The first Inca was Manco Capac and the last one Atahualpa, there were thirteen Incas in all from the year 1198 to 1533 until their defeat by the Spaniards.

Inca	Reigning Period
Manco Capac	1198-1228
Sinchi Rocca	1228-1258
Lloque Yupanqui	1258-1288
Mayta Capac	1288-1318
Capac Yupanqui	1318-1348
Inca Roca	1348-1378
Hanan Yahuar Huaca	1378-1408
Wiracocha	1408-1438
Pachacutec	1438-1471
Tupac Inca Yupanqui	1471-1493
Huayna Capac	1493-1527
Huascar	1527-1532
Atahualpa	1532-1533

The Sapa Inca would choose his successor among his sons. Although the Sapa Inca might have many wives and sons only his sons who had the Coya as their mother could inherit the throne. It was not always the oldest son who would become the next Sapa Inca; sometimes the best son fitted for the job would become the next emperor.

 

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Tags: coya, Cusco, Inca civilization, inca culture, Inca empire, Inca family, Inca society, incas, Manco Capac, Pachacuti, peru inca, Tawantinsuyu