Huayna Capac
Name
Class
Date
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
Biography
Huayna Capac WHY HE MADE HISTORY Under Huayna Capac’s rule, the Inca empire greatly expanded its territory and reached the height of its power.
As you read the biography below, think about how Huayna Capac’s role as leader helped advance the Inca empire.
Huayna Capac was born in Cuzco, Peru. He is considered the last great emperor to rule over the Inca empire. When his father Topa Inca died in 1493, Huayna assumed the throne. During his reign, the Inca empire reached its greatest level of expansion and power. During his time as emperor, Huayna Capac spent long periods away from his empire. What he saw in other places inspired him to make improvements in Inca society. Huayna enhanced existing transportation by building new roads. He also is credited with building many impressive palaces and temples during the years of his rule. Huayna Capac greatly extended the Inca empire. For many years he and his armies fought wars with neighboring peoples. By the time he died, his empire extended to Quito (in modern Ecuador) in the north and to Atacama (in modern Chile) in the south. The total territory of the Inca empire grew to about 4830 km (about 3,000 miles) long from north to south and about 645 km (about 400 miles) wide. While Huayna was traveling on a military expedition in what is now northern Ecuador, he heard about an outbreak of disease in Cuzco. It is believed that this epidemic may have been a disease that the
Werner Forman/Art Resource, NY
(?)–1525
VOCABULARY conquistador Spanish conqueror of Mexico, Peru, or other parts of the Americas in the 1500s legitimate legal
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
5
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
Name
Class
Date
Biography
Huayna Capac, continued
Spanish conquistadors brought with them to the New World. Regardless, Huayna bravely went to investigate the epidemic himself. He contracted the disease and died. Huayna Capac’s death marked the decline of the Inca empire. Before he died he divided the empire between his two sons, so that both sons could rule after his death. At first, Huáscar (the legitimate heir to the throne) agreed to the arrangement, but later he changed his mind. The two brothers fought for power, but this conflict only weakened the empire. With the empire unstable, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca empire in 1532. WHAT DID YOU LEARN? 1. Recall What improvements did Huayna Capac make to the Inca empire?
2. Draw Conclusions How did Huayna’s decision to have the empire divided after
his death weaken the Inca empire?
ACTIVITY 3. Imagine that you were alive during Huayna Capac’s time. Write a letter to Huayna
Capac explaining an improvement you would like to see. Explain your reasons for wanting this improvement.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
6
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
Class
Date
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
Biography
Huayna Capac WHY HE MADE HISTORY Under Huayna Capac’s rule, the Inca empire greatly expanded its territory and reached the height of its power.
As you read the biography below, think about how Huayna Capac’s role as leader helped advance the Inca empire.
Huayna Capac was born in Cuzco, Peru. He is considered the last great emperor to rule over the Inca empire. When his father Topa Inca died in 1493, Huayna assumed the throne. During his reign, the Inca empire reached its greatest level of expansion and power. During his time as emperor, Huayna Capac spent long periods away from his empire. What he saw in other places inspired him to make improvements in Inca society. Huayna enhanced existing transportation by building new roads. He also is credited with building many impressive palaces and temples during the years of his rule. Huayna Capac greatly extended the Inca empire. For many years he and his armies fought wars with neighboring peoples. By the time he died, his empire extended to Quito (in modern Ecuador) in the north and to Atacama (in modern Chile) in the south. The total territory of the Inca empire grew to about 4830 km (about 3,000 miles) long from north to south and about 645 km (about 400 miles) wide. While Huayna was traveling on a military expedition in what is now northern Ecuador, he heard about an outbreak of disease in Cuzco. It is believed that this epidemic may have been a disease that the
Werner Forman/Art Resource, NY
(?)–1525
VOCABULARY conquistador Spanish conqueror of Mexico, Peru, or other parts of the Americas in the 1500s legitimate legal
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
5
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
Name
Class
Date
Biography
Huayna Capac, continued
Spanish conquistadors brought with them to the New World. Regardless, Huayna bravely went to investigate the epidemic himself. He contracted the disease and died. Huayna Capac’s death marked the decline of the Inca empire. Before he died he divided the empire between his two sons, so that both sons could rule after his death. At first, Huáscar (the legitimate heir to the throne) agreed to the arrangement, but later he changed his mind. The two brothers fought for power, but this conflict only weakened the empire. With the empire unstable, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca empire in 1532. WHAT DID YOU LEARN? 1. Recall What improvements did Huayna Capac make to the Inca empire?
2. Draw Conclusions How did Huayna’s decision to have the empire divided after
his death weaken the Inca empire?
ACTIVITY 3. Imagine that you were alive during Huayna Capac’s time. Write a letter to Huayna
Capac explaining an improvement you would like to see. Explain your reasons for wanting this improvement.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
6
The World before the Opening of the Atlantic
