Those planning a trip to Peru will surely dedicate part of their days to visit Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. This wonder of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the third largest archaeological site in the world after Pompeii and Ostia Antica. However, the construction of this impressive citadel is surrounded by many myths and mysteries.
Pachacutec: The Inca Emperor
The most widely accepted story attributes the construction of Machu Picchu to the Inca emperor Pachacutec. During his reign, the Inca Empire reached its peak of splendour and wealth. Pachacutec lived from 1380 to 1460 and was the ninth Inca emperor. His victories and conquests are responsible for the birth of the vast empire we know today.
The Myth of Pachacutec
There are numerous myths related to Pachacutec. According to Guaman Poma de Ayala, an indigenous chronicler, Pachacutec was a man of incomparable strength, capable of throwing golden stones at his enemies with a slingshot. In addition, Poma relates that during his reign, thousands of people died and there was a seven-year drought.
The Battle against the Chancas
One of the best known myths is Pachacutec’s battle against the Chancas, a group of fearsome warriors. The Chancas moved aggressively, conquering and destroying villages and crops in the Andean valleys. For the Inca Empire, these neighbours were extremely dangerous, prompting Pachacutec to confront them.
During this crucial battle, Pachacutec, then known as Cusi Yupanqui, is said to have received divine help from the god Wiracocha, who transformed rocks into warriors. Thanks to these stone warriors, the Chancas were defeated, and Cusi Yupanqui was renamed Pachacutec, meaning transformation. This event marked the beginning of the period of greatest splendour and expansion of the Inca Empire.
Expansion of the Inca Empire
Under Pachacutec’s leadership, the Inca Empire expanded significantly. Many wars were fought and wherever the Incas extended their influence, their law prevailed. However, local customs and religious beliefs were respected. Those who bowed to the Incas were welcomed; those who opposed them were crushed. This was the law of the empire under Pachacutec.
The myth of Pachacutec tells us not only of a formidable leader but also of the greatness and complexity of the Inca Empire. His legacy lives on in places like Machu Picchu, where travellers can feel the presence of a rich history full of legends.
