Inca Empire

Inca Empire:

What Could Have Been

Watching the 2 videos on the Inca Empire was very enlightening. I learned much about the Inca customs, farming, community and religion. I wondered as I viewed the film, how different the country of Ecuador might be if the Incas had defeated the Spanish. A family divided decided that fate.

Two Brothers

In 1526, the ruler of the Incas, Huayna Capac, died. The custom of the time was to leave the empire to one son. Instead, Huayna divided the Inca Empire between his two sons, Hu`ascar of Cuzco and Atahualpa of Quito. This was the first time in the history of the Incas that the empire was divided.

A rivalry between the brothers soon began and worsened over time. The Inca of Cuzco with Hu`ascar as their ruler went to war against his brother Atahualpa and the Incas of Quito. After several years of fighting, Atahualpa finally defeated his brother and was thus became the sole ruler of the weakened and still divided Inca Empire.

In 1532, Francisco Pizarro arrived with plans to conquer the Incas. A meeting was arranged between Pizarro and Atahualpa. Although, Atahualpa was prepared to negotiate with the Spaniards, Pizarro had other ideas. When the Inca arrived at the meeting place, the conquistadores captured Atahualpa and killed his guards. Pizarro held Atahualpa for ransom to collect gold, silver and other valuables from the Inca people. Instead of being released when the ransom was paid, the Inca ruler was tried for several crimes against the king and sentenced to death. His death brought the Inca Empire to an end.

Conclusion

What if the two brothers had not gone to war; what if Atahualpa and his guards defeated the Spaniards; or what if Pizarro had released the ruler as promised? Remnants of the Inca Empire remain in the customs, churches and people. However I must believe life could be quite different in Ecuador today if the Inca Empire prevailed. Of course we will never be able to know that for sure but I can only answer the above questions in my imagination.