Manco Cápac & Mama Ocllo
The divine founders of the Inca Empire
Siblings and spouses, children of the Sun, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca to found Cusco and teach humankind farming and weaving: the mythic couple who founded the Inca Empire.
01Why it matters
It is the founding myth of the Americas' greatest empire; their union underpins the Andean worldview.
02The conflict
The divine mission to civilize a world without order.
03The iconic moment
The golden staff sinking into the earth to mark Cusco.
04What survived
Cusco; the living memory of the Tahuantinsuyo.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Manco Cápac & Mama Ocllo famous?
It is the founding myth of the Americas' greatest empire; their union underpins the Andean worldview.
How does the story of Manco Cápac & Mama Ocllo end?
The golden staff sinking into the earth to mark Cusco. Cusco; the living memory of the Tahuantinsuyo.
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