The Importance of Cuzco and Its Role in Modern American History

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After the fall of Vilcabamba, Cuzco was transformed into the central Spanish hub of the Andean and South American Region. During the viceroy period of Peru, it was nominated to become the capital. Instead Lima was chosen because of its easy ocean access. Nevertheless, the ancient capital of the Inca empire maintained a hegemony over other cities like Arequipa.

Because Cuzco was populated by the aristocratic indigenous population that did not flee their city, their customs were respected during the first few years of the Spanish occupation. This tolerance turned Cuzco into the cradle of mixed Inca-Spanish culture that spread throughout all of Peru.

tupac amaru

Trade and Rebellions

The reason Cuzco grew into power during Peru’s viceroy period was because of the roads the Incas had built for trade and transportation purposes. The occupying Spaniards were able to utilize these roads for trade in between cities themselves. The Incas had made it easy for the Spaniards to traverse all of South America.

The main trade route used was one that linked Lima and Buenos Aires. With Cuzco being a central hub for many roads, it would be impossible to avoid this city on this route. Because of the roads, commercial fairs became popular and carried themselves across these trails. Additionally, these routes made many Spanish and Indigenous men rich due to trade.

However, there those who did not welcome the Spanish occupation. One of the most important rebels was Jose Gabriel Condorcanqul, who was a descendant of Tupac Amaru, the last Incan king. This man fronted the largest rebellion of the Americas. Under his flag and command, he united many unconquered indigenous people against the Spaniards and their forced mining labor which claimed the lives of 9-million indigenous people during the 300 years of Spanish rule.

After the revolt, the Convention of Cuzco was established which elevated the city’s conditions to the esteemed levels of Lima, Buens Aires, and Mexico City.

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Art and Religion

The Spanish artists saw a lot of untapped potential for inspiration in Cuzco and its regions. Drawing inspiration from the views and lifestyle, the artists were able to create new painting styles. The artists also peaked the interests of the indigenous people, who in turn created their own style of painting called the Cuzqeuña school with Diego Quispe as a major artist originating from this style. From the paintings, we can deduce that there was a huge religious influence.

Since many indigenous people continued to speak Quechua, their art were there only means to gain a sort of Christian status while paying homage to their ancestral roots. The Apus, or mountains, in the Inca’s culture were the protectors of the villas. The artists incorporated these mountains into paintings of their versions of the Virgin Mary. This is why today, many Andean communities have their own Virgins with their mountains painted on the various Marys.

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