ABSTRACT
Building on the work of his eminent father, PachacutiIncaYupanqui, Topa Inca Yupanqui strengthened the frontiers and the internal administration of the Incan Empire and reigned during its period of greatest prosperity. As military commander, Topa first struck northward, toward Ecuador, the homeland of three great peoples—the Chimu, the Cananri, and, most formidable, the Quitu. Using forced marches through difficult terrain, Topa surprised his enemies by being “everywhere and nowhere” at the same time. In 1471, Pachacuti, well into his fifties or sixties, abdicated to his son so that the succession to the throne was clear. After participating in the ceremonies of office, Topa immediately left on campaign toward the east, where he vainly battled marauding lowland tribes from the Amazon and set up a string of large fortresses. Topa Inca Yupanqui transformed the Incan Empire from the powerful regional entity of Pachacuti into a universal state, called the Tahuantinsuyu, or “land of four quarters”.
