It is a received fact among the Indians that this temple is as ancient as the city of Cuzco itself. But the Inca Yupanqui, son of Viracocha Inca, increased its riches to the extent in which it was found when the Christians arrived in Peru. Most of the treasure was brought to Caxamarca for the ransom of Atahualpa, as we shall relate in its place. The Orejones say that after the doubtful war between the inhabitants of Cuzco and the Chancas, who are now chiefs of the province of Andahuaylas, the Inca Yupanqui found himself very rich and powerful, and people came to serve him from all parts, bringing presents; and the provinces contributed great service in gold and silver. For in those days there were very rich mines and veins of the precious metals. Finding himself so rich and powerful, the Inca resolved to ennoble the house of the Sun, which in their language is called _Inti-huasi_, and also _Curi-cancha_, meaning “the place of gold”, and to increase its wealth. That all those who may see and read this may understand how rich the temple at Cuzco was, and the merit of those who built and completed such great things, I here will preserve the memory of it. I will relate what I saw, and what I heard from many of the first Christians, who received the account from the three men[140] that first came from Caxamarca, and who saw everything. But the Indians themselves tell us so much, and are so truthful, that other evidence is unnecessary. This temple was more than four hundred paces in circuit, entirely surrounded by a strong wall. The whole edifice was of excellent masonry, the stones very well placed and fixed. Some of the stones were very large. There was no mortar, either of earth or lime, but a sort of bitumen with which they used to fix their stones. The stones themselves are so well worked that no joining or cement can be seen. In all Spain I have not seen anything that could be compared with the masonry of these walls, except the tower which they call Calahorra, near the bridge of Cordova, and a work which I saw at Toledo, when I came there to present the First Part of my Chronicle to the Prince Don Felipe.[141] I allude to the hospital which the Archbishop of Toledo, Tavera, ordered to be built.[142] Although these edifices have some resemblance to those I have mentioned, yet they are the best as regards the masonry of the walls, the stones being so admirably worked, and placed with such great ingenuity. The encircling wall was straight, and very well traced out.