Huáscar

Sapa Inca who fought his younger brother Atahualpa for the throne and was killed after defeat.

Life

Enthronement in Cusco

Huáscar was a son of Huayna Capac. After his father died c. 1527, he was enthroned in Cusco, while his brother Atahualpa held a powerful army of his own around Quito in the north.

Fraternal civil war

Civil war soon broke out. Atahualpa's generals led the battle-hardened northern armies south, and in 1532 they defeated and captured Huáscar near Cusco.

Killed

Soon afterward Atahualpa himself was captured by Pizarro. To prevent the Spaniards from installing Huáscar in his place, Atahualpa ordered him executed.

Legacy

The civil war between Huáscar and Atahualpa drained the Incas' strength, allowing Pizarro to conquer the empire with fewer than two hundred men.

Did you know? Garcilaso's mother came from the Inca royal family; his book takes Huáscar's side and is largely disparaging of Atahualpa.

Key dates

• 1527Ascended the throne (approx.)
• 1529Civil war broke out (approx.)
• 1532Defeated and captured, then killed