Cusco: The Navel of the Inca Empire
Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cusco, often referred to as the “Navel of the World” by the Incas, remains a vibrant city that effortlessly blends its ancient roots with the rhythms of modern life.
The Incan Empire, established Cusco as its capital around the 13th century, both for its strategic location but also for its symbolic significance — the Incas believed that Cusco was the birthplace of the sun, thus making it a sacred site.
Cusco’s layout was therefore also meticulously planned to reflect Incan beliefs and cosmology, with the city designed in the shape of a puma (a sacred animal for the Incas), and with Sacsayhuamán, the ceremonial fortress, forming the head.
This organisation was not only a display of architectural prowess but also a physical embodiment of Incan spirituality and authority.
The construction of Sacsayhuamán, a fortress overlooking Cusco, is a feat that continues to mystify historians and engineers alike.
The Incas employed massive stones, some weighing up to 200 tons, cut with such precision that they fit together seamlessly without the use of mortar.
This technique, known as ashlar masonry, ensured the stability and durability of the structure, allowing it to withstand earthquakes common in the region.
The stones used in Sacsayhuamán were quarried from nearby areas — a process that involved not only immense human labour but also a deep understanding of the geological characteristics of the region, with the transportation and placement of these gigantic stones remaining continuing subjects of speculation and admiration.
It is believed that the Incas used a combination of log rollers, ropes, and sheer human strength to move these stones into position.
The fortress’s most striking feature is also its zigzagging walls, which extend over a vast area.
Composed of three-tiered ramparts, these walls are built in a zigzag pattern, symbolising the teeth of a puma — a design that was not only aesthetically significant but also served practical defensive purposes.
In particular, the zigzag layout created a series of blind spots for potential attackers, making it difficult for enemy forces to advance.
Each boulder in the wall is also meticulously carved to interlock with its neighbours, creating a harmonious and fluid appearance, with this interlocking design also contributing to the walls’ resilience against seismic forces.
Beyond its defensive role, Sacsayhuamán was also a site of great ceremonial importance.
The Incas, known for integrating their strong spiritual beliefs into their architecture, designed this fortress to be a space for significant religious ceremonies and royal events.
Its proximity to Cusco, the spiritual and political heart of the Incan Empire, made Sacsayhuamán a pivotal location for rituals that solidified the bonds between the divine, the ruler, and the people.
The large, flat area in front of the fortress is also believed to have been used for gatherings and celebrations.
The most notable of these was the Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, where the Sapa Inca, nobility, and common people would come together in a grand celebration of the sun god, Inti.
Qorikancha: The Temple of the Sun
Qorikancha, often hailed as the crown jewel of Incan architecture, is a temple, dedicated to Inti, the revered sun god.
Constructed from finely cut stones, the walls of Qorikancha were so precisely joined that not even a blade of grass could fit between them.
Achieved without the use of mortar, this level of precision exemplifies the skill and ingenuity of Incan builders.
The temple’s design was also aligned with celestial events — during solstices, the sun’s rays would penetrate through strategically placed windows, illuminating specific areas within the temple.
This alignment also showcases the Incas’ sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and their ability to integrate it into their architecture.
The temple’s walls were also once covered in sheets of gold, reflecting the sun’s rays and filling the space with a mesmerising glow.
This use of gold, a material they believed to be the sweat of the sun, was a profound expression of devotion and a display of the empire’s wealth and power.
Inside the temple, various chambers were dedicated to different deities too, including the moon, stars, and thunder.
These chambers housed statues and offerings, and were sites of important religious rituals conducted by the Incan priests.
The opulence of Qorikancha did not go unnoticed by the Spanish conquerors, who were astounded by its wealth.
Much of the gold that once adorned its walls was looted, and the temple was partially destroyed following the Spanish conquest.
In its place, the Convent of Santo Domingo was constructed, integrating the remains of the temple into its structure.
This juxtaposition of Incan and Spanish architecture is a poignant reminder of the turbulent history of the region.
Today, Qorikancha remains a significant cultural and historical site. Its surviving structures continuing to demonstrate the Incas’ architectural prowess and their deep spiritual connection to the natural and celestial worlds.
Visitors to Cusco often find themselves captivated by the enduring beauty and history of this sacred temple.
Cusco’s Role in the Incan Empire
As the capital, Cusco was the administrative, political, and spiritual hub of the Incan Empire.
It was from here that the Sapa Inca, the emperor, ruled over a vast territory that extended from present-day Colombia to Chile.
This vast area encompassed various ecological zones, from coastal plains to high mountain ranges.
And in Cusco, the Sapa Inca held court, surrounded by advisors, priests, and nobility, with the city the hub for critical decision-making, from setting agricultural policies to planning military campaigns.
Ceremonial events were also frequent, reinforcing the Sapa Inca’s divine status and the city’s religious significance.
The Incan Empire was also remarkable for its cultural diversity.
As the heart of the empire, Cusco became a melting pot where different ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions and languages, converged.
This diversity was evident in the city’s daily life, seen in the variety of clothing, languages, and culinary practices.
To manage this diversity, the Incas employed a strategy of mitmaqkuna — relocating groups of people from conquered territories to Cusco.
This policy served multiple purposes: it reduced the chance of rebellion in distant provinces, facilitated cultural exchange, and allowed the empire to benefit from the specialised skills of various ethnic groups.
Cusco’s significance was further enhanced by the Qhapaq Ñan — the Royal Road of the Incas.
This extensive network of roads, covering over 30,000 kilometres, was a remarkable feat of engineering.
It connected Cusco to the furthest reaches of the empire, allowing for efficient communication, trade, and military movements.
In addition to it being a transportation network though, the Qhapaq Ñan was an expression of the Incas’ profound understanding and mastery of their environment.
The roads traversed some of the most challenging terrains on the planet, including steep mountain passes and arid deserts.
They were constructed using a variety of techniques adapted to the local environment, showcasing the Incas’ ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Along the Qhapaq Ñan, tambos (way stations) were also strategically placed to provide rest and supplies for travelers and armies.
These tambos were also centres for gathering information, allowing the Sapa Inca to maintain a firm grip on the vast empire.
The roads also facilitated trade, enabling the movement of goods including maize, potatoes, textiles, and gold across the empire.
This exchange was important for maintaining the economic stability of a region where environmental conditions could vary dramatically.
The Qhapaq Ñan also facilitated the movement of religious figures and the spread of religious ideas, binding the empire together not just physically but also spiritually.
With all roads leading to Cusco (so to speak), this also reinforced Cusco’s status as the spiritual heart of the empire, where the most important temples and religious festivals were located.
Today, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its unique blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture.
The city’s streets and plazas, lined with Incan walls and colonial churches, tell the story of a rich and complex history.
The fusion of these architectural styles is most evident in buildings like the Santo Domingo Church, built on the foundations of Qorikancha.
The legacy of the Incas is also alive in the traditions and customs of the local population.
Festivals like Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, for example, continue to be celebrated with much fervour, preserving the cultural heritage of the Incas.
