The Foundation of Cuzco, the Imperial City

A significant archaeological and historical insight emerges from the 'First Part of the Royal Commentaries of the Yncas,' which details the origins of Cuzco. The text reveals that the first settlement in the valley was established on Huanacauti Hill, where a golden sceptre symbolically sank into the ground, marking it as a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the Sun. This narrative, attributed to an unnamed Ynca (Inca ruler), describes how the first rulers, guided by divine mandate, spread from this hill to unite scattered communities, teaching them civilization and agriculture. The account provides a rare glimpse into Inca cosmology and governance, blending myth with historical foundation narratives. While not a traditional scientific study, its cultural and historical significance offers valuable context for understanding the socio-political structure of the Inca Empire.

(Ed.). (2010). THE FOUNDATION OF CUZCO, THE IMPERIAL CITY. First Part of the Royal Commentaries of the Yncas, 65–68. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511707759.020