Viracocha Inca

Who was Viracocha Inca?

Viracocha or Wiraqucha was the eighth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco and the third of the Hanan dynasty. His father was Yawar Waqaq, and his son was Pachacuti. His original name was Hatun Tupaq or Ripaq; he was named after the god Viracocha after having visions of the god. His wife's name was Mama Runu.

He was involved in the fighting struggle between the Incas and the Chankas. The chroniclers differ on whether he was a hero or a coward. According to some, such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, his father Yawar Waqaq abandoned the capital under the attack of the Chankas; Viracocha defeated the enemy and saved the city. Others, such as Pedro Cieza de León and Juan de Betanzos, claim that Viracocha abandoned the city and that his son Pachacuti saved it.

One chronicler, Sarmiento de Gamboa, states that Viracocha was the first Incan to rule the territories he conquered, while his predecessors merely raided and looted them.