Yupanqui

Yupanqui refers to a prominent Inca ruler, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, often simply known as Pachacuti. He was the ninth Sapa Inca and the founder of the Inca Empire, transforming it from a small kingdom into a vast state. Pachacuti's reign, which began around 1438, is marked by significant expansion and administrative reforms. He is credited with reorganizing the Inca state, establishing a complex bureaucracy, and initiating major construction projects, most notably the city of Cusco, which he rebuilt and expanded into a magnificent capital.

His military campaigns brought vast territories under Inca control, stretching from modern-day Ecuador to Chile. Beyond his military prowess, Pachacuti was also a visionary leader who introduced a system of taxation, a standardized currency, and a sophisticated road network that facilitated communication and trade throughout the empire. He is also recognized for his role in shaping Inca religion and culture, promoting the worship of Inti, the sun god. The name Yupanqui itself signifies "reckoning" or "counting," reflecting his administrative achievements. His legacy is deeply ingrained in Inca history, with many subsequent rulers claiming descent from him and continuing his policies of expansion and consolidation.