The empire of the Incas was in a state of such profound peace when Huayna Capac died, that there was not to be found a man, throughout its vast extent, who would dare to raise his head to foment disturbance, or to refuse obedience, as well from fear of the Inca, as on account of the mitimaes who were stationed in all parts, and maintained order. As when Alexander died in Babylon, many of his servants and captains became kings and ruled over extensive dominions; so on the death of Huayna Capac there were wars and differences between his two sons; and in the meantime the Spaniards arrived. Many of the mitimaes became lords, because the natural chiefs having been killed in the wars, the colonists had an opportunity of gaining the goodwill of the people.

There would be much to say in relating the history of these powerful lords in detail, but I will not deviate from my plan of telling the story briefly, for the good reasons which I have already explained. Huascar was the son of Huayna Capac; and Atahualpa also. Huascar was the younger, and Atahualpa the elder brother. Huascar was the son of the Coya, his father's sister and principal wife. Atahualpa was the son of a woman of Quilaco, named Tupac Palla. Both were born in Cuzco, and not in Quito, as some have said and even written, but they have done so without understanding the facts. For Huayna Capac was in the conquest of Quito, and in those parts for about twelve years, and when he died his son Atahualpa was already thirty years of age.