Cusco, Peru is an alternate spelling of the ancient Incan city of Cuzco. According to legend, Cusco was founded about 1250 AD by the first Inca Civilization ruler, Manco Capac; and it remained the Inca capital right up until the 15th century Spanish conquest of Cusco.
The best known piece of Incan architecture left at Cusco is the famous Corichancha, located beneath the church of Santo Domingo. The foundations, said to have been built by Manco Capac, are made in the Inca manner—smoothly shaped and fitted stones which contained no mortar. The Santo Domingo church was built by the Spanish in the 16th century.
For details about the history of Cusco and its role in the Inca Empire, see the glossary entry for Cuzco.
Sources for Cusco, Peru
- Guide to the Inca Empire
- Walking Tour of Machu Picchu
- More Inca Archaeological Sites
- Inca Timeline and King List
This glossary entry is part of the About.com Guide to the Inca Empire and the Dictionary of Archaeology.
