
Inca emperor who led a rebellion against the Spanish conquistadors.
Manco Inca Yupanqui was crowned as Sapa Inca by Francisco Pizarro after the execution of Atahualpa. Initially a Spanish puppet, Manco was installed to legitimize Spanish rule and control the Inca population through a compliant emperor.
Manco Inca led a massive army of approximately 100,000 warriors in a siege of Cusco, trapping Spanish forces inside the city. The siege lasted several months but failed due to Spanish reinforcements and Inca tactical limitations, forcing Manco to retreat.
Manco Inca escaped Spanish custody in Cusco after suffering mistreatment and humiliation. He fled to the Urubamba Valley, where he began organizing a rebellion against Spanish rule, rallying Inca nobles and warriors to his cause.
Manco Inca established the Neo-Inca State at Vilcabamba, a remote jungle region northwest of Cusco. This independent Inca kingdom resisted Spanish control for decades, preserving Inca traditions and governance while conducting guerrilla warfare.
Manco Inca was assassinated by Spanish refugees who had sought shelter in Vilcabamba. The refugees, former supporters of Diego de Almagro, killed Manco during a game, ending his rebellion and destabilizing the Neo-Inca State.