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Inca Empire Timeline

(Early 13th century - 1572)

The Inca Empire, also known as the Inka Empire, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. It existed from the early 13th century until 1572 and was centered in the Andean region of South America. The Inca civilization was highly advanced in terms of architecture, agriculture, and governance. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Founding and Early Expansion

Pachacuti becomes the ninth Sapa Inca, marking the beginning of Inca expansion

1438

Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui expands Inca control over the Cusco region

1438

Image source: Pachacuti

Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui expands Inca control over the Cusco region

Rulers and Leadership

Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) becomes a major religious celebration in Cusco

1438

Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun, was a major religious celebration in the Inca Empire. It took place annually in Cusco, the capital city of the empire, during the winter solstice. The event lasted for nine days and included various rituals and ceremonies to honor the sun god Inti. The festival involved processions, dances, sacrifices, and offerings of food and drink. It was a time of great importance and significance for the Inca people, as it marked the beginning of the new agricultural cycle and symbolized the renewal of life and the divine power of the sun.

Image source: Inca mythology

Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) becomes a major religious celebration in Cusco

Inca mummification practices reach their peak

1438

Inca mummification practices reach their peak (1438).

Image source: Mummy

Inca mummification practices reach their peak

Inca laws and administration system (Tawantinsuyu) are established

1438

The Inca Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyu, is established in the Andean region of South America. The empire is governed by a centralized administration system with laws and regulations that regulate all aspects of life including agriculture, trade, and social classes.

Image source: Inca Empire

Inca laws and administration system (Tawantinsuyu) are established

Succession crisis between Huáscar and Atahualpa follows Huayna Capac's death

1527

The Succession crisis between Huáscar and Atahualpa follows Huayna Capac's death in 1527. After the death of Huayna Capac, his two sons, Huáscar and Atahualpa, fought for control of the Inca Empire. This led to a civil war that lasted for several years, with both sides gathering support from different regions and factions within the empire. Eventually, Atahualpa emerged victorious and became the new ruler of the Inca Empire.

Huayna Capac dies from smallpox, leading to a succession crisis and civil war

1527

Infrastructure and Architecture

Inca engineers develop advanced agricultural terracing techniques

1438

Image source: Inca road system

Inca engineers develop advanced agricultural terracing techniques

Inca ruler orders construction of Temple of the Sun

1438

Inca ruler Pachacuti orders the construction of the Temple of the Sun in Cusco. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Inti and is considered one of the most important religious and ceremonial sites in the Inca Empire. Construction of the temple takes several decades and involves the work of thousands of laborers and artisans. The temple is adorned with gold and precious stones, and is known for its exquisite architecture and engineering.

Construction of Machu Picchu begins

1440

Construction of Machu Picchu begins in the year 1440. Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti and served as a center for worship, administration, and agriculture. The construction of Machu Picchu involved intricate stonework, terraced agriculture, and a sophisticated water management system. The site was abandoned and forgotten for centuries but was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is now a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Image source: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Construction of Machu Picchu begins

Construction of Sacsayhuamán fortress begins

1440

Construction of Sacsayhuamán fortress begins in 1440. Sacsayhuamán is an Inca fortress located in the city of Cusco, Peru. It was built as a military stronghold and is known for its massive stone walls and impressive architecture.

Construction of Ollantaytambo fortress begins

1440

Construction of Pisac fortress begins

1440

Image source: Kingdom of Cusco

Construction of Pisac fortress begins

Construction of Choquequirao begins

1440

Construction of Choquequirao begins (1440).

Image source: Choquequirao

Construction of Choquequirao begins

Inca road network (Qhapaq Ñan) expands, connecting distant regions of the empire

1460

Conquests and Expansion

Topa Inca Yupanqui leads successful military campaigns in Ecuador and Chile

1471

Inca Empire reaches its greatest territorial extent under Huayna Capac

1493

The Inca Empire reaches its greatest territorial extent under Huayna Capac (1493). At its peak, the empire spans from modern-day Ecuador all the way down to central Chile and Argentina.

Inca armies led by Huáscar and Atahualpa clash in a civil war

1527

Inca armies led by Huáscar and Atahualpa clash in a civil war (1527).

Image source: History of Peru

Inca armies led by Huáscar and Atahualpa clash in a civil war

Spanish Conquest and Fall

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrives in Peru

1532

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrives in Peru to conquer the Inca Empire in 1532.

Image source: Francisco Pizarro

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrives in Peru

Battle of Cajamarca: Pizarro captures and executes Inca emperor Atahualpa

Nov 16, 1532

Battle of Cajamarca: Pizarro captures and executes Inca emperor Atahualpa (Nov 16, 1532)

Image source: Atahualpa

Battle of Cajamarca: Pizarro captures and executes Inca emperor Atahualpa

Spanish conquistadors execute the Inca emperor Atahualpa in Cajamarca

Nov 16, 1532

Spanish forces capture Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire

Nov 15, 1533

Spanish forces led by Francisco Pizarro capture Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire, marking a major turning point in the conquest of the Inca Empire.

Inca army led by Rumiñahui launches guerrilla warfare against the Spanish

1534

Inca army led by Rumiñahui launches guerrilla warfare against the Spanish (1534)

Spanish conquistadors establish the city of Lima

Jan 18, 1535

Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro establish the city of Lima on January 18, 1535.

Image source: Lima

Spanish conquistadors establish the city of Lima

Manco Inca Yupanqui leads a rebellion against the Spanish occupation

1536

Manco Inca Yupanqui leads a rebellion against the Spanish occupation (1536).

Manco Inca Yupanqui establishes the Neo-Inca State in Vilcabamba

1537

Manco Inca Yupanqui establishes the Neo-Inca State in Vilcabamba (1537).

Execution of the last Sapa Inca, Túpac Amaru

Sep 24, 1572

Túpac Amaru was a leader of an uprising against Spanish rule in the Inca Empire. He was captured and executed on September 24, 1572, marking the end of the Inca resistance against Spanish colonization.

Image source: Túpac Amaru

Execution of the last Sapa Inca, Túpac Amaru

Spanish forces execute Túpac Amaru, the last Inca emperor, in Cusco

Sep 24, 1572

Spanish forces execute Túpac Amaru, the last Inca emperor, in Cusco (Sep 24, 1572).

Image source: Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire

Spanish forces execute Túpac Amaru, the last Inca emperor, in Cusco

Spanish forces capture and execute Túpac Amaru, the last Sapa Inca

Sep 24, 1572

On September 24, 1572, Spanish forces capture and execute Túpac Amaru, the last Sapa Inca. This event marked the end of the Inca Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in the region.

Image source: Túpac Amaru II

Spanish forces capture and execute Túpac Amaru, the last Sapa Inca

Spanish capture and execute Manco Inca, ending Neo-Inca State

Apr 24, 1573

Key Facts

  1. The Inca Empire was founded by Manco Capac in the early 13th century.
  2. The capital city of the Inca Empire was Cuzco, located in present-day Peru.
  3. The Inca people built an extensive road network called the Qhapaq Ñan.
  4. The Inca Empire is known for its impressive stone structures, including Machu Picchu.
  5. The Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, conquered the Inca Empire in 1572.

Source

This Inca Empire timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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