Manco Cápac

Manco Cápac (Quechua: Manqu Qhapaq, pronounced [ˈmɑnqʊ ˈqʰɑpɑq]) was, according to Inca mythology, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Cusco and the founder of the Inca Empire. His name translates to "noble chief" or "glorious chief." In the Aymara language, he is known as Manku Qhapaq, and in Spanish, he is referred to as Manco Cápac. The legends surrounding Manco Cápac vary, but they generally depict him as a culture hero who emerged from a cave or lake, often accompanied by his sister-wife Mama Ocllo, to establish the Inca civilization. He is credited with teaching the Inca people agriculture, religion, and governance, laying the foundation for the vast empire that would later dominate much of western South America. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Inca civilization began to coalesce around the 12th century, with Cusco becoming its political and religious center under Manco Cápac's leadership.