Early Expansion Phase of the Inca Empire

Timeline

1. 1400–1405Cuzco Valley · CuzcoInca rulers strengthened Cuzco's status as a sacred center, bringing neighboring valleys such as Urubamba into the tribute network through marriage alliances and military pressure, and initially establishing a governing framework resting on mit'a labor service and ayllu community organization.
2. 1405–1430Central Peruvian highlands · PeruInca armies and embassies extended their influence into highland regions such as Apurímac and Junín, supporting expeditions with rudimentary roads and storage sites (qollqa), bringing more peoples into the 'Inca' identity and the sun-worship system, creating conditions for the later unification of the central Andes.