Precursors to the Inca Empire

Timeline

1. c. 1331–1336Cusco · PeruInca oral history records that the Cusco Valley was already governed by early Sapa Inca (rulers) at this time, controlling several surrounding clan settlements, though their sphere of influence was limited to the upper reaches of the Urubamba River.
2. c. 1333–1338Urubamba Valley · Cusco RegionArchaeological sites show that the Inca began building terraces on hillsides to grow potatoes and maize during this period, and constructed storehouses (qollqa) to stockpile grain, providing an agricultural foundation for later imperial expansion.
3. c. 1336–1340South-Central Andean Highlands · Andean HighlandsThe Inca of Cusco maintained marriage and tribute relations with neighboring chiefdoms such as the Chinchero and Anta, while competing territorially with powers like the Chanka; this regional political landscape would persist until the military expansion of the mid-15th century.