The Inca Civil War

The author examines the Inca civil war — the most significant conflict in the history of the Inca — on the basis of historical accounts from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Starting from the reign of Huayna Capac, she investigates the family and political constellations that shaped the succession struggle between his sons Huáscar and Atahualpa, contrasting Huáscar's strategies for power with Atahualpa's diplomatic and military manoeuvres in Quito. The account concludes with an analysis of the political measures taken by the victor, Atahualpa, and his plans for the future of the empire.

Published in the series Biblioteca Antropológica Americana, vol. 3.