| “ | I was born as a lily in the garden, and like the lily I grew, as my age advanced / I became old and had to die, and so I withered and died.
— Sacred hymn attributed to Pachacuti
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Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, also called Pachacútec (meaning "Earth Shaker" in Quechua), was the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco and founder of the Inca Empire. Under his reign, Cusco expanded from a hamlet into a sizable empire that controlled much of western South America.
The exact date of Pachacuti's birth is unknown, though it is known that he was born in Cusco, that his given name was Cusi Yupanqui, and that he was the younger brother of Urco, appointed successor to Viracocha Inca. Even from a young age, Pachacuti commanded respect from the Inca nobles for his courage, intelligence, and aptitude for governance and conquest, which his brother lacked.
This was exemplified during an invasion of Cusco by the Chankas. While Viracocha and Urco fled, Pachacuti led the defense of Cusco and defeated the Chankas so thoroughly that legend had it that the earth rose up to fight for him, thus earning his name. Having captured many Chanka leaders, Pachacuti presented them to his father for him to wipe his feet over, a traditional victory ritual. Instead, Virachocha claimed that Urco should do it as he was his heir. Pachacuti protested that he did not claim the captives for his brother, sparking a heated debate. Later, Virachocha tried to have his son assassinated, though Pachacuti was tipped off and foiled the plot. While his father went into exile, Pachacuti returned to Cusco and claimed the throne.
As Sapa Inca, Pachacuti reformed the administration of Cusco to be more efficient, built many great cities and temples, and improved the infrastructure of his growing empire. He would also embark on a steady expansion of his realm, eventually forming the Incan Empire, though many conquered ethnic groups were heavily repressed and displaced, and had their lands colonized by the Inca as a result.
After his death in 1471, Pachacuti was succeeded by his son and general Tupac Inca Yupanqui.
Battle vs. Shaka Zulu (by LokoDito)[]
TBW
Expert's Opinion[]
Experts believe that while Pachacuti seems to have a slight edge in terms of weapons and armor, Shaka takes the victory for having better troops and tactics. His buffalo horn formation is more sophisticated, and even though Pachacuti has a devastating range weapon, Shaka's shield makes up for that. Overall, better tactics and training prevailed in the end.