Juan de Betanzos
Suma y narracion de los Incas, que los indios llamaron Capaccuna, que fueron señores de la ciudad del Cuzco y de todo lo á ella subjeto
"Suma y Narracion de los Incas" by Juan de Betánzos is a historical account written in the late 16th century. This work chronicles the history, lineage, and significant events concerning the Incas, particularly focusing on the founding of the city of Cuzco and the predecessors of the Incas known as Capaccuna. The text aims to preserve the indigenous narratives and cultural heritage of Peru, especially during the time just before the Spanish conquest. The opening of the work establishes the background of the text, detailing its history and the author’s motivations for writing it. Juan de Betánzos, having been an interpreter during the Spanish colonial period, seeks to document the origins and lineage of the Incas. The beginning chapters discuss the mythical origins of the Incas, including the accounts of the creator god Viracocha, and the emergence of the first rulers from a cave. The narrative introduces key figures like Mango Capac and explores the foundational stories that tie the Incan identity to the land and its history, setting the stage for a thorough recounting of the Incan civilization and its significant leaders.