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Sinchi Roca explained for kids

Sinchi Roca is considered the second Sapa Inca. He came after Manco Cápac and belongs to the early history of Cusco. Perusina and Perusino will show you why his time was important and how Cusco gradually grew stronger.

Perusina and Perusino discover Sinchi Roca as the second Sapa Inca

Who was Sinchi Roca?

According to tradition, Sinchi Roca was the second Sapa Inca. He therefore belongs to the early rulers of the Incas, when Cusco was not yet a huge center of a great empire.

His story lies far at the beginning of the Inca period. Therefore, tradition, memory, and history also intertwine with him. What is important is that Sinchi Roca represents a time when the Incas further consolidated their power in Cusco.

Perusina explains: Sinchi Roca comes directly after Manco Cápac. He thus belongs to the early order of Cusco.
Perusino asks: So he wasn't the founder, but rather the one who continued?
Name Sinchi Roca
Role second Sapa Inca
Location early Cusco

What does his name mean?

The name Sinchi Roca is often associated with strength and leadership. This fits well with an early ruler who lived at a time when Cusco still had to grow and assert itself.

Perusina would say: A ruler back then didn't just have to look important. He also had to ensure that people worked together and rules were followed.

Sinchi Roca explains something about early Cusco to Perusina and Perusino

Cusco continues to grow

During the time of the early Sapa Incas, Cusco was not yet the gigantic capital it later became. But the city and its surroundings grew in importance. Roads, walls, family groups and rules helped to ensure that a small center of power could gradually become more.

If you want to find out more about Cusco, you can find the relevant article here: Cusco in Peru.

Sinchi Roca shows Perusina and Perusino how early Cusco grows
Perusino notes: Sinchi Roca wasn't the beginning of everything. But without people who continue, no city grows.

Why is Sinchi Roca exciting?

Sinchi Roca is exciting because he shows that great empires don't arise in a single day. After Manco Cápac, the young Inca community had to be further built up and organized.

  • Sinchi Roca is considered the second Sapa Inca.
  • He belongs to the early period of Cusco.
  • His story is linked to traditions.
  • He shows how Inca history continues after Manco Cápac.

Briefly noted

  • Sinchi Roca came after Manco Cápac.
  • He is considered the second Sapa Inca.
  • His era belongs to the early history of Cusco.
  • With early Inca rulers, history and legend intertwine.
  • He was succeeded by Lloque Yupanqui.

Discover more

Previous Sapa Inca Manco Cápac for kids. All Sapa Incas To the children's overview. Cusco Discover the city of the Incas.

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Frequently asked questions about Sinchi Roca

Was Sinchi Roca the first Sapa Inca?

No. Manco Cápac is considered the first Sapa Inca. Sinchi Roca came after him.

Why is Sinchi Roca important?

He belongs to the early line of Inca rulers and shows how the history of Cusco continued after Manco Cápac.

Were there reliable records for Sinchi Roca?

There are many traditions for the early Inca rulers. Not every detail can be historically proven with certainty.

Who came after Sinchi Roca?

After Sinchi Roca, Lloque Yupanqui followed as the next Sapa Inca.

Sources

  • Rostworowski, María: Pachacútec Inca Yupanqui. Lima: IEP, 2001.
  • Rowe, John H.: The Inca. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 1946.
  • Bauer, Brian S.: The Sacred Landscape of the Inca. University of Texas Press, 1998.
  • Silverman, Helaine: Andean Archaeology. Blackwell Publishing, 2004.