Sapa Inca

The Sapa Inca (from Quechua Sapan Inka; lit. 'the only emperor') was the monarch of the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu), as well as ruler of the earlier Kingdom of Cusco and the later Neo-Inca State. While the origins of the position are mythical and originate from the legendary foundation of the city of Cusco, it seems to have come into being historically around 1100 AD. Although the Inca believed the Sapa to be the son of Inti (the Inca Sun god) and often referred to him as Intip Churin or 'Son of the Sun,' the position eventually became hereditary, with son succeeding father. The principal wife of the Inca was known as the Coya or Qoya. The Sapa Inca was at the top of the social hierarchy, and played a dominant role in the political and spiritual realm.

Manco Capac, the first Inca monarch, adopted the title Capac (roughly translated as King). Inca Roca, the sixth Inca monarch, was evidently the first to bear the title Sapa Inca ("emperor") officially.

There were two known dynasties, led by the Hurin and Hannan moieties respectively. The latter was in power at the time of Spanish conquest. The last effective Sapa Inca of Inca Empire was Atahualpa, who was executed by Francisco Pizarro and his conquistadors in 1533, but several successors later claimed the title.

Other terms for Sapa Inca include Apu ("divinity"), Qhapaq Inka ("mighty Inca"), or simply Sapa ("the only one").