Birth date unknown
Cuzco, Andean region, present-day Peru
Died 1471
Cuzco

Sapa Inca, or supreme ruler of the Inca empire

Pachacutec (pronounced pah-chah-KOO-teck) came to power within the small community of Incas in Cuzco (pronounced KOO-sko) in 1438; this marked the beginning of one of the world's greatest early civilizations. As Sapa Inca, or supreme ruler, Pachacutec greatly expanded Inca territory and at the same time devised a structured government, economy, and way of life that could sustain the many diverse peoples who would fall under Inca rule. Even though some of the accomplishments attributed to Pachacutec may be mythical and others may have been carried out by his son, Tupac Inca Yupanqui (ruled 1471–1493), or grandson, Huayna Capac (pronounced WHY-nah CAH-pahk; ruled 1493–1525), many historians consider Pachacutec one of the most remarkable leaders of all time.