Sinchi Roca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sinchi Roca
Emperor Sinchi Roca
Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco
Reign	c. 1230 – c. 1260
Predecessor	Manco Cápac
Successor	Lloque Yupanqui
Born	c. 1230 Tampuquiro, Cusco, Inca Empire, modern-day Peru
Died	c. 1260 (aged c. 30) Cusco, Inca Empire, modern-day Peru
Spouse	Mama Cura (sister)
Issue	Lloque Yupanqui
Quechua	Sinchi Ruq'a
Dynasty	Hurin
Father	Manco Cápac
Mother	Mama Ocllo

Sinchi Roca was an important leader of the ancient Inca people. He was the second Sapa Inca, which means "great ruler," of the Kingdom of Cusco. He lived from about 1230 to 1260 CE. His name, Sinchi Ruq'a in the Quechua language, means "valorous generous Inca." He belonged to the Hurin dynasty, which was the first ruling family of the Inca.

Sinchi Roca's Family Life

Sinchi Roca was the son of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo. They were two of the first Inca siblings. He was born in a place called Huaynacancha. After his father, Manco Cápac, passed away, Sinchi Roca became the next ruler.

He was also the father of Lloque Yupanqui, who would later become the third Sapa Inca. Sinchi Roca's wife was Mama Cura. She came from the Sanu family and was the daughter of Sitic-huaman. They had a son named Sapaca. Sinchi Roca, along with Manco Capac, Mama Huaco, and Manco Sapaca, helped build the important House of the Sun.

What Sinchi Roca Did as Ruler

The Kingdom of Cusco later grew into the huge Tahuantinsuyu (Inca Empire). This happened under the rule of a later Inca leader named Pachacuti. In one of the Inca stories about how their empire began, Sinchi Roca led his family to the valley of Cusco.

He is known for dividing his lands into different areas. He is also thought to have started the first count of the Inca people. This is like a census today, where a government counts everyone living in a country.

Sinchi Roca also gave an important order. He told all members of his group, the Inca, to pierce their ears. This was a special sign that showed they were noble or important.

The Imperial Crown

Writers from the 1500s say that Sinchi Roca was the first Inca ruler to wear the Mascapaicha. This special crown became the main symbol of Inca power. The Mascapaicha was made of several parts. The most important part was a fringe of red wool. Each strand of wool went through a small golden tube.

Above this fringe, there were two or three black and white feathers. These feathers came from a sacred bird called the Korekenke, which is a type of mountain caracara. The fringe and feathers were held on the forehead by a turban. This turban was called the llautu. It was a colorful braid made from very fine vicuña wool.

The Mascapaicha showed that the Sapa Inca had complete power. When a new emperor was chosen, he would receive the Mascapaicha. This ceremony was led by the Willaq Umu, who was the high priest of the Inca religion.

A Story About Sinchi Roca

One story tells about a llama shepherd during Sinchi Roca's time. This shepherd entered the home of a young woman the Inca cared for and took her away. Sinchi Roca had them brought before him. The young woman explained that she had fallen in love with the shepherd because he had a wacanqui, which was an amulet of love. The shepherd then said he had received this special object from a magical being in a cave.

Improving the Land

A writer named Pedro Cieza de León said that Sinchi Roca built terraces. These are like steps cut into hillsides to create flat land for farming. He also brought in a lot of soil to make the valley land better for growing crops. This helped improve the fertility of the land.

The word Sinchi later became a title for a warlord, which is a military leader. The word Cápac, which was part of his father's name, became a title for a ruler or sovereign.

See also

In Spanish: Sinchi Roca para niños