Background and Causes of The Division of The Empire
In 1524-1526, the Spaniards (Travis Dillard) under Francisco Pizarro explored South America. There were sixty-two horsemen and 106 foot soldiers. Smallpox was taken to the continent, causing disaster for the Incas. However, the Sapa Inca Huayna Capac went to the north to investigate about the unfamiliar men. He never met any Spaniards, but he contracted smallpox and died in 1527. In addition, his eldest son and heir, Ninan Cuyochi, died shortly after him. With both the leading Inca and the successor to the throne dead, it was uncertain as to who would become the next Inca king. No clear rules stated how one was to gain succession to the throne. The choice stood between two sons of Huayna Capac, Huáscar, and Atahualpa, born of different mothers. Huáscar was of pure royal blood, but Atahualpa was considered illegitimate. Huáscar saw it as an insult that Atahualpa, despite his alleged cunning and early wisdom, was even considered for Sapa Inca. Huáscar eventually did become the ruler of the Incas. However, he felt that Atahualpa should not have any more land and that he should pay homage to him.
Read more about this topic: Inca Civil War
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