History of the Killke in Cuzco
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Oisin Mulvihill
The Killke occupied the reign of modern day Cuzco from 900 to 1200 A.D. Many Killke innovations, including several roadways and temples, were later adopted by the Incas in the early 13th century.
History of the Incas in Cuzco
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Miguel A. Vera León
The city of Cuzco is considered to be the historical capital of the Inca civilization. Archeological studies date the Inca reign over Cuzco from 1200 to the early 1500s, when Spanish conquistadors arrived.
City Plan of Cuzco
Archeologists and historians have suggested that the layout of the city of Cuzco served as the basis for the design of many other Incan cities in Peru. The ancient city of Cuzco stood at the center of the Incan empire, with roads connecting outward to the empire's four other regions.
Spanish History of Cuzco
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Thomas Quine
Conquistador Francisco Pizarro officially discovered Cuzco in the name of Spain on November 15, 1533. Spanish settlers rebuilt the city on its Inca foundations, transforming it into a thriving agricultural capital.
Plaza De Armas
Cuzco's Plaza De Armas was originally constructed by the Incas and was later further developed by the Spanish. The plaza remains the central meeting place for the city's inhabitants.
Exploring Cuzco's History
Cuzco is very welcoming of tourists and is the home of numerous museums and cultural attractions that explore and celebrate the city's rich history. The city of Cuzco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
