Yahuar Huacac

Inca emperor

Also known as: Yawar Waqaq

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Yahuar Huacac was the seventh emperor of the Inca, reigning in the early 15th century. His reign was marked by a period of relative peace, though his early life was dramatic. As a child, he was kidnapped by a neighboring group, highlighting the volatile political landscape around the Cuzco Valley at the time. He was eventually returned, and his father, Inca Roca, named him as successor. Yahuar Huacac's reign saw his brothers expand Inca territory, but he himself remained largely in Cuzco. His principal wife was from the Ayarmaca group, indicating shifting alliances. His attempt to name his second son as successor failed due to intrigue, and he was reportedly killed shortly after, leading to the selection of Viracocha Inca as his successor.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

pre-Columbian civilizations
The beginnings of external expansion
…of sons, one of whom, Yahuar Huacac (Yawar Waqaq), was kidnapped by a neighboring group when he was about eight years old. The boy’s mother, Mama Mikay, was a Huayllaca (Wayllaqa) woman who had been promised to the leader of another group called the Ayarmaca (’Ayarmaka). When the promise was…
Read More
…of sons, one of whom, Yahuar Huacac (Yawar Waqaq), was kidnapped by a neighboring group when he was about eight years old. The boy’s mother, Mama Mikay, was a Huayllaca (Wayllaqa) woman who had been promised to the leader of another group called the Ayarmaca (’Ayarmaka). When the promise was…
Read More