The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2Cieza de León, Pedro de
History
The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2
Cieza de León, Pedro de
Incas; Peru -- History -- To 1548
As soon as the Chancas were defeated, Inca Yupanqui entered Cuzco in
great triumph, and addressed the principal Orejones on their agreement.
He said that he had worked for them in the way they had seen, while his
brother and his father had done little in opposing the enemy, and that,
therefore, they should give him the sovereignty and government of the
empire. The people of Cuzco, one with another, discussed the matter,
comparing the merits of Inca Yupanqui and Inca Urco, and, by consent of
the city, they agreed that Inca Urco should not enter Cuzco again, and
that the fringe should be taken from him and given to Inca Yupanqui.
Although Inca Urco, when he knew what had been done, wanted to come to
Cuzco to justify himself, and was much moved, complaining of his brother
and of those who had deprived him of the government; yet they did not
yield, nor turn aside from accomplishing what they had resolved to do.
There are some who say that the Coya, wife of Inca Urco, left him
without having borne him any children, and went to Cuzco, where her
second brother Inca Yupanqui received her as his wife. Having performed
the fast and the other ceremonies, he came forth with the fringe, and
there were great festivals at Cuzco, people flocking thither from all
parts. The new Inca ordered all those who had fallen in the battle on
his side to be buried with the customary funeral rites. For the Chancas
he caused a large house to be erected on the battle field, like a tomb,
where all the bodies of the dead were put as a memorial, and the skins
were filled with cinders or straw, so that the human form was made to
appear in many attitudes. Some of them appearing like men, had drums
issuing from their bellies, on which they appeared to be playing. Others
were set up with flutes in their mouths. After this fashion they were
left until the Spaniards entered Cuzco. Alonzo Carrasco[188] and Juan de
Pancorvo,[189] ancient conquerors, related to me how they had seen these
skins full of cinders, as did many others of those who came to Cuzco
with Pizarro and Almagro.
The Orejones say that in those days there was a large population in
Cuzco, and that it was always increasing. Messengers arrived from many
parts to congratulate the new king, who answered them all with gracious
words. He wished to set out and make war in the region they call
Condesuyo, and as he knew by experience how brave and enterprising was
Hastu Huaraca, the Lord of Andahuaylas, he thought of inducing him to
enter his service. They relate that he sent messengers, asking the chief
to come to Cuzco with his brothers and friends, and to enjoy the society
of the Inca. Considering that it would be profitable to secure the
friendship of Inca Yupanqui, the Lord of Andahuaylas came to Cuzco, and
was well received.[190] And as the Inca had summoned his army for war,
he determined to proceed to Condesuyo.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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