Túpac Amaru Rebellions (1572, 1780–1782)

AbstractTwo separate Andean revolts against Spanish authority bear the name of Túpac Amaru. The first one in 1572 heralded the apparent final Inca resistance against the initial imposition of Spanish authority in the highland regions of Peru and Bolivia; the other transpired in 1780–1782, during the twilight of Spain's imperial might. In both cases the lineage of the rebel leadership was of utmost importance. The term “Inca” refers to a family dynasty established by Manco Inca, the original Sapa Inca, or supreme ruler of the Inca Empire. In the years following the Spanish conquest of the Andes, a number of individuals claiming descent from Manco attempted to preserve and restore the Inca Empire, and these included Túpac Amaru I and Túpac Amaru II.