Manco Cápac

Manco Qhapaq (Manco Cápac; died c. 1230) is remembered as founder and first ruler of Cusco and ancestor of the Inca dynasty, although whether he really lived is uncertain. Tradition says he was born at Tamputoco, son of Apu Tambo, and on his father's death led the group into the Cusco valley.

There he defeated three small tribes and settled on ground between two streams that later became Cusco's main plaza. The larger tribes regarded the newcomers as invaders and attacked them often, so Manco and later his son had to defend the town.

His wife and sister Mama Uqllu bore his successor Sinchi Ruq'a, and he is named patriarch of the Qhapaq Ayllu royal lineage, branches Hurin and Hanan. He died naturally; his mummified body stayed in Cusco until Pachacuti moved it to the Temple of the Sun on the Isla del Sol, only his statue remaining there.