The visitor to Cusco is always invaded by a feeling of awe. This is due not only to its beautiful surroundings, combining a sky of cerulean blue with sparkling white clouds and an imposing mountain range, but rather to its history. Along its winding alleys, or in its imposing Plaza de Armas the city speaks volumes to us. Few places in Peru have had a more active life. This was the sacred capital of the Incas as well as the "El Dorado" of the conquistadors, the cradle of South American baroque art and the scene of the major uprising against the Spaniards. It is no doubt Peru's most precious jewel.

The Pre-Inca Period

Practically all the Inca and Pre-Inca settlements in Cusco are located between 3,000 and 3,200 meters above sea level. Differing from most of the archaeological sites pertaining to the Formative Period (1500 bc to 0 ad), Cusco valley shows no influence from the northern-a Chavín culture. Among the oldest sites in Cusco are Marcavalle (1000 bc to 700 bc). This is followed by the Chanapata, a culture going back to 700 bc. This culture extended all over Cusco valley, and its members were more civilized because they developed agriculture and the breeding of domestic animals.

The Huari

Towards 750 ad the huari appeared in the valley, and brought with them a more developed culture. The complex design of their cities shows the existence of a hierarchical society, an established religion, planning, networks of interchange and good control over a major population that could be mobilized to execute important public works. The huari are reputed to be ancient Peru's great urban developers. One of the best examples of huari influence in the Cusco valley is Piquillacta, whose name in quechua means "flea-ridden city". As many archaeologists claim, Piquillacta's importance resides not only in its perfect layout and organization, but also in the fact that it was taken as a benchmark city by the Incas.

The creation of Tahuantinsuyo

Few places in Peru have a magic aura like that of the Inca Cusco. Even today, as we walk along its streets admiring those mysteriously perfectly-joined stones, we feel a degree of reverence. It is impossible not to perceive why this city was sacred to the Incas.

According to legends and chronicles, there were thirteen Incas: Manco Capac, Sinchi Roca, Lloque Yupanqui, Mayta Capac, Capac Yupanqui, Inca Roca, Yahuar Huaca, Huiracocha, Pachacutec, Tupac Yupanqui, Huayna Capac, Huascar and Atahualpa. The Incas first appear as lords of the valley around 1200 ad, and build up Tahuantinsuyo in less than a century.
The Spaniards described the Incas as "Children of the Sun". For the inhabitants of Tahuantinsuyo they were divine beings who had the ability to sanctify all that surrounded them.

It is hard to believe that the Incas were able to organize Tahuantinsuyo in less than one century. According to the chronicles, the great organizer of the Inca Empire was Inca Pachacutec, who decided to expand his territories by defeating the Chancas. Some doubt that this group existed as a people, and claim that the term Chanca could stand for all bordering ethnic groups. What is certain is that the conquests started in the year 1430 ad and soon Tahuantinsuyo had extended to the limits mentioned above.