Sapa Inca

'the only emperor') was the monarch of the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu "the region of the four [provinces]"), as well as ruler of the earlier Kingdom of Cuzco and the later Neo-Inca State.

However, the original access to that position was not linked to the inheritance of the eldest son, as is for a monarchy, but to the perceived selection of the gods by means of rigorous challenges, to which the physical and moral aptitudes of the pretender were tested.

[2] These trials were accompanied by a complex spiritual ritual through which the Sun god, Inti nominated the one who should assume the Inca position.

[10] The coya, or sapa Inca's primary wife, had significant influence upon making this decision of which son is apt to succeed his father.

[3][11] The Sapa Inca was the absolute ruler of the empire and accumulated in his power the political, social, military, and economic direction of the state.

[12][3] He ordered and directed the construction of great engineering works, such as Sacsayhuamán, a fortress that took 50 years to complete;[13] or the urban plan of the cities.

[14] However, among their most notable works, was the network of roads that crossed the entire empire and allowed a rapid journey for the administrators, messengers, and armies[15] provided with hanging bridges and tambos.

[16] They made sure to always be supplied and well cared for,[17] as is reflected in the construction of storehouses scattered throughout the empire and vast food and resource redistribution systems.

[3][11] The commander and chief of the standing army founded military colonies to expand the culture and control, while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of that network.

[12] In religious ceremonies he was accompanied by the sacred white flame, the napa, covered with a red blanket and adorned with gold earrings.