Day 5: Why the Inca?

We are proud to announce that after a week of traveling almost everyone has overcome whatever diseases they were fighting off. On the other hand, we are all exhausted from running from one place to the next, so we are taking every five minute break that we have to curl up in a ball and take a power nap. Today, we traveled from Cuzco to Puno which is about an 8 hours bus ride, but we stopped at several places. First, we stopped to visit two colonial churches which beautifully demonstrated the fusion of Spanish influence and native culture. Next, we visited the Temple of Viracoccha, which is a small Inca village dedicated to Viracoccha, or the mythical Inca creator. Finally, we stopped for lunch at a tiny local restraint which Jane would like to point out, had gorgeous flowers. On our epic bus journey, we passed through the land of several different groups including Quechua (Inca), Wari and Aymara. The Quechua, Huari and Aymara are culturally different from one another culturally, linguistically, and religiously.

This region of the world has experienced a hegemonic cycle in which one group dominates for about 200 years before they go into decline and another leader emerges. The Inca established a strong political and administrative capital in Cuzco and then began expanding by conquering small tribal and village groups. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they discovered that the Inca had been in power for about 150 years. It is safe to assume that if the Inca had continued undisturbed that they would have prospered for another 50 or so years before going into decline. The arrival of the Spanish is key in determining why the Inca remain so well known. The Spanish chronicled Inca culture and showed the Inca to the rest of the world. Even though it seems that Inca were more successful as an empire because they are so embedded in history, this is actually not true. Each one of these cultures has made important contributions to pre-Hispanic history.
First, the Inca had extensive knowledge of astronomy. This knowledge shaped their culture and is reflected in every aspect of their life. The Qori Cancha in Cuzco reflects the equinoxes, a variety of constellations, and other astronomical phenomena which mandated how the Inca planned the city, built their shrines, and celebrated their ceremonies.

Next, the Huari people constructed an administrative system which existed geographically close to the Inca. Historically, cities were constructed in a circular pattern with newer construction encircling older structures. This was revolutionized by the Wari because they constructed their cities in a grid pattern with modern city blocks. This seems like something completely insignificant, but the importance of this is understated. Basically, a grid pattern shows that the Huari cities were planned, rather than a village which grows randomly over time.

Finally, the Aymara are very different from the Inca because they speak a language which is completely unrelated to Quechua. In the pre-Hispanic times, the Aymara were regarded as very fierce people, and remained independent of Inca conquest. In modern times, the Aymara are still feared in Peru for their brutality and unforgiving nature. In recent years, upon learning their mayor was involved in corruption; the Aymara people kidnapped the mayor from his house, poured gasoline on him, and burned him alive. Very friendly people. Don’t worry moms; we will not be visiting with the Aymara.

Clearly, the Peruvian people are culturally and ancestrally diverse. The main reason why the Inca are the face of pre-Hispanic South American history is because they happened to be in power when the Spanish arrived. Having seen all that we have seen, we have come to the conclusion that the Inca were fascinating people; however their neighbors were equally fascinating and deserve equal recognition.