Sapa Wechua
| Monarch of the Wechua Nation | |
 Banner of the Sapa Wechua. | |
| Incumbent | Sinchi Roca II |
|---|---|
| Since | 1735 AN |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | Princess Sayari |
| First monarch | Manco Cápac (legendary) |
| Residence |
Palace of Chinchero, Parap (traditional) Palace of Carranza, Cárdenas (actual) |
The Sapa Wechua (Wechua: Sapa Wechua, "the only Wechua"), also known as Apu ("divinity"), Wechua Qhapaq ("mighty Wechua"), or simply Sapa ("the only one"), is the hereditary monarch of the Wechua Nation. Since the formation of the Federation of Alduria and the Wechua Nation in 1685 AN, the Sapa Wechua has simultaneously held the title King of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
The origins of the position are rooted in Wechua mythology and the legendary foundation of the city of Parap. According to tradition, the first Sapa Wechua was Manco Cápac, a semi-divine figure who emerged from Mount Lacara as the son of Inti (the Sun god) and established the Wechua people in their ancestral homeland. The Wechua continue to refer to the Sapa as Intip Churin ("Son of the Sun"), reflecting this mythological origin. Historically, the position appears to have emerged during the classical period of Wechua civilization, though precise dates are uncertain due to the destruction of records during the Atteran occupation.
The institution survived centuries of foreign domination and internal conflict. Following the collapse of the Atteran Empire sometime prior to 1500 AN, successive Sapas struggled to reunify the fragmented Wechua communities until Manco Cápac I founded the First Wechua Kingdom in 1657 AN. Today, the Sapa Wechua serves as the constitutional monarch of Nouvelle Alexandrie, combining the ancient religious and ceremonial functions of the Wechua kingship with the modern duties of head of state for a federation of over 300 million people.
Etymology and titles
The title Sapa Wechua derives from the Wechua words sapa ("unique" or "only") and Wechua (the name of the people). The compound thus means "the only Wechua" or "the unique Wechua," emphasizing the monarch's singular status as the embodiment of the Wechua nation.
Additional honorifics traditionally used for the Sapa Wechua include:
- Apu ("lord" or "divinity") - used to address the monarch directly
- Wechua Qhapaq ("mighty Wechua") - emphasizing royal power
- Intip Churin ("Son of the Sun") - referencing divine descent from Inti
- Qhapaq Inca ("mighty ruler") - an archaic title from the classical period
Since 1685 AN, the Sapa Wechua has also borne the title King of Nouvelle Alexandrie, with the full style "His Majesty the King of Nouvelle Alexandrie, Sapa Wechua." The Alexandrian equivalent Roi des Nouvelles Alexandrins and Martino Rey de los Nuevos Alexandrinos are used in official documents in those languages.
History
According to Wechua tradition, the institution of the Sapa Wechua was established by Manco Cápac, a figure of both historical and mythological significance. The foundation myth relates that Manco Cápac and his sister-wife Mama Ocllo emerged from the waters of Lake Cherusken and walked for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Lacara, sent by the sun god Inti to civilize humanity. Manco Cápac carried a golden staff and was instructed to establish a kingdom wherever the staff sank into the earth. This occurred at the site of Parap, which became the sacred capital of the Wechua people.
The legendary Manco Cápac is credited with teaching the Wechua people agriculture, architecture, and the worship of Inti. He established the principle that the Sapa Wechua was the divine representative of the sun on earth, a concept that shaped Wechua governance for centuries.
The historical Sapa Wechuas of the classical period ruled from Parap and the surrounding valleys of the Rodinia river. During this era, the position was initially elective, with the Sapa chosen from among eligible male descendants of the royal lineage by a council of nobles and priests. Over time, the succession became increasingly hereditary, with sons succeeding fathers in most cases.
The classical Sapa Wechuas expanded Wechua territory, constructed the great temples of the Faith of Inti, and developed the administrative systems that would characterize Wechua governance. This period saw the construction of major ceremonial centers, the codification of religious practices, and the establishment of the mit'a labor system that mobilized communal labor for state projects.
Atteran domination
The conquest of the Wechua homeland by the Atteran Empire ended the independent Sapa Wechua institution for several centuries. The precise dates of Atteran rule remain uncertain due to the systematic destruction of Wechua records during this period. The Atterans suppressed Wechua political institutions, though some scholars believe the title of Sapa Wechua may have survived in a diminished ceremonial or religious capacity.
The Atteran policy of mass relocation dispersed Wechua populations across western Keltia, fracturing the cultural unity that had sustained the institution. When the Atteran Empire collapsed sometime prior to 1500 AN, the Wechua people found themselves scattered, suppressed, colonized, and leaderless, with no clear successor to the ancient Sapas.
Interregnum period (pre-1500 to 1607)
The centuries following Atteran collapse saw multiple claimants to the title of Sapa Wechua as various warlords, priests, and descendants of the old royal lines competed for supremacy. The Wechua homeland around Mount Lacara fragmented into competing domains, with no single ruler able to command universal allegiance.
During this chaotic period, the warlord-priest Apu Kuntur Yupanqui emerged as a significant figure, constructing the fortress of Sacsayhuamán between 1531 AN and 1543 AN and establishing control over Huichajanca and its sacred pilgrimage routes. Though he claimed descent from the ancient priest-kings, Apu Kuntur Yupanqui did not assume the title of Sapa Wechua, styling himself instead as a protector of the holy sites.
By the late 1500s, Inca Roca had consolidated sufficient power to claim recognition as Sapa Wechua, ruling from approximately 1570 AN until his death in 1596 AN. His death without a clear heir triggered the devastating War of Four Sapas.
War of Four Sapas (1596-1607)
The War of Four Sapas erupted in 1596 AN following the death of Inca Roca, whose four sons immediately began fighting for succession. This eleven-year civil war devastated the Wechua heartland and saw each of the four brothers claim the title of Sapa Wechua at various points:
- Ninan Cuyuchi, the eldest, initially held the upper hand but died in battle in 1605 AN;
- Huascar Inca, the second eldest, controlled Sacsayhuaman and Huichajanca, giving him religious legitimacy;
- Manco Inca, the third brother, controlled territories in the northern highlands;
- Paullu Inca, the youngest, held domains in the river valleys.
By 1605 AN, Ninan Cuyuchi was dead and Manco Inca had withdrawn from active conflict. The war continued between Huascar Inca and Paullu Inca until both parties, exhausted by eleven years of bloodshed, submitted their claims to arbitration by the clergy of the Faith of Inti in 1607 AN. The High Priest of the Sun convened a council at Huichajanca that resulted in an election, establishing a precedent for consensus-based succession. Huascar Inca emerged as the recognized Sapa Wechua, though he ruled over a devastated and depopulated realm. He is known in Wechua history as the "King of the Ashes".
Post-war consolidation (1607-1657)
The Sapas who followed Huascar Inca presided over a fragmented realm that lacked international recognition. Huayna Qhapaq and his son Atoc Pachacuti I worked to rebuild Wechua institutions and maintain the community around Mount Lacara, but their authority remained limited to a small territory surrounded by the chaotic Keltian Green.
This period saw the gradual recovery of Wechua population and the preservation of cultural traditions, but the Sapa Wechuas of this era could not claim sovereignty over a recognized state. They maintained the religious functions of the office, conducted ceremonies at the holy sites, and kept alive the dream of an independent Wechua nation.
First Wechua Kingdom (1657-1668)
The establishment of the First Wechua Kingdom on 3.V.1657 AN marked the restoration of Wechua sovereignty after centuries of subjugation and fragmentation. Manco Cápac I, who had become Sapa Wechua in 1655 AN following the death of his father Atoc Pachacuti I, successfully obtained recognition from the MCS for the first Wechua state since ancient times.
With support from neighboring Caputia (formerly Hamland), Manco Cápac I established a functioning government centered on Parap and the sacred Mount Lacara. For the first time in centuries, the Sapa Wechua ruled an internationally recognized state with defined borders, diplomatic relations, and formal institutions of government.
The First Kingdom collapsed in 1668 AN due to the White Plague and the concurrent disintegration of Caputia, initiating the traumatic period known as the Wechua Sorrow.
Wechua Sorrow and Restoration (1668-1685)
The Wechua Sorrow (1668 AN-1673 AN) saw the collapse of Wechua state and society, with Manco Cápac I leading a government-in-exile from Nivardom, Constancia. The Sapa maintained his claim to the throne throughout this period, rallying loyalist forces and securing support from Raspur Pact allies.
The Great Restoration beginning on 16.III.1673 AN saw Manco Cápac I return to Parap and reestablish Wechua sovereignty. The Second Wechua Kingdom undertook comprehensive reconstruction under the Five-Year Plans of the Wechua Nation, rebuilding the state that had collapsed five years earlier.
King of Nouvelle Alexandrie (1685-present)
On 12.XV.1685 AN, the Proclamation of Punta Santiago united the Wechua Nation with the Republic of Alduria to form the Federation of Alduria and the Wechua Nation. Manco Cápac I became the first King of Nouvelle Alexandrie, combining the ancient title of Sapa Wechua with the new federal monarchy.
Since the federation's renaming to Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1693 AN, the Sapa Wechua has served as constitutional monarch of one of the largest nations on Micras. The three Sapas who have held this dual role have navigated the challenges of integrating ancient Wechua traditions with modern federal governance.
Role and powers
Religious functions
The Sapa Wechua serves as the supreme religious authority of the Faith of Inti, the traditional religion of the Wechua people. As Intip Churin (Son of the Sun), the Sapa is considered the earthly representative of Inti and the intermediary between the divine and human realms.
Religious duties include presiding over major festivals such as Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), performing sacrifices and offerings at the holy sites, and maintaining the temples and shrines of the Faith. The Sapa traditionally makes pilgrimages to Huichajanca and Mount Lacara, the most sacred sites of the Faith.
Constitutional role
Since 1685 AN, the constitutional powers of the Sapa Wechua as King of Nouvelle Alexandrie are defined by the Proclamation of Punta Santiago. The monarch serves as head of state, commander-in-chief of the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie, and guardian of the constitution.
The King's constitutional functions include appointing the Premier following elections, dissolving the Cortes Federales, granting royal assent to legislation, and representing the federation in diplomatic relations. The Spring Crisis of 1739 demonstrated the monarch's role as guarantor of constitutional order, when Sinchi Roca II's intervention proved decisive in defeating an attempted military coup.
Succession
Succession to the position of Sapa Wechua follows absolute primogeniture as established by the Succession to the Throne Act, 1700. The eldest legitimate child of the Sapa inherits the throne regardless of gender, a departure from the historical practice of male-preference succession.
The current heir apparent is Sayari, Princess of Rimarima, eldest child of the reigning Sinchi Roca II.
List of Sapa Wechuas
The following list includes both legendary and historical Sapas. Dates for the mythological and classical periods are traditional and cannot be verified. The interregnum period (pre-1500 to 1607) saw multiple competing claimants, and only those who achieved general recognition are listed.
Legendary and classical period
| Portrait | Name | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manco Cápac | c. 700 - c. 740 AN | First Sapa Wechua according to tradition; founded Parap; son of Inti | |
| Sinchi Roca | c. 740 - c. 780 AN | Son of legendary Manco Cápac; expanded Wechua territory | |
| Lloque Yupanqui | c. 780 - c. 820 AN | Third legendary Sapa | |
| Mayta Capac | c. 820 - c. 870 AN | Fourth legendary Sapa; warrior king | |
| Capac Yupanqui | c. 870 - c. 910 AN | Fifth legendary Sapa | |
| (Additional legendary and classical Sapas; records incomplete) | |||
| Atteran Domination (c. 1000 - c. 1500 AN) | |||
| No independent Sapa Wechua during Atteran rule | |||
Interregnum period (pre-1500 to 1607)
| Portrait | Name | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple competing claimants; fragmentary records | |||
|
Inca Roca | c. 1570 AN - 1596 AN | First post-Atteran Sapa to achieve general recognition; his death triggered the War of Four Sapas |
| War of Four Sapas (1596-1607) | |||
| Four sons of Inca Roca each claimed the throne; resolved by clerical arbitration | |||
House of Inti (1607-1686)
| # | Portrait | Name | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huascar Inca | 1607 AN - 1620 AN | "King of the Ashes", won election following War of Four Sapas; began post-war reconstruction | |
| 2 | Huayna Qhapaq | 1620 AN - 1632 AN | Continued rebuilding efforts; father of Atoc Pachacuti I | |
| 3 | Atoc Pachacuti I | 1632 AN - 1655 AN | Preserved institution through period of instability; father of Manco Cápac I | |
| 4 | 
|
Manco Cápac I | 1655 AN - 1686 AN | Founded First Wechua Kingdom (1657 AN); first King of Nouvelle Alexandrie (1685 AN); continued to House of Inti-Carrillo |
House of Inti-Carrillo (1686-present)
| # | Portrait | Name | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
|
Manco Cápac I | 1686 AN - 1718 AN | House of Inti-Carrillo established 1686 AN; killed in 1718 Condor shoot-down incident |
| 5 | 
|
Sinchi Roca I | 1718 AN - 1735 AN | Consolidated federal monarchy; extensive military reforms |
| 6 | 
|
Sinchi Roca II | 1735 AN - present | Reigning monarch; defeated Spring Crisis of 1739 |
Regalia
The traditional regalia of the Sapa Wechua includes:
- The Mascapaicha - a crimson fringe worn across the forehead, the primary symbol of Sapa status;
- The Suntur Paucar - a feathered staff representing royal authority;
- The Tupac Yauri - a golden scepter;
- The Llautu - a multicolored braid worn around the head;
- Ceremonial garments woven from vicuna wool, considered the finest textile.
Since 1685 AN, these traditional Wechua items have been combined with Alexandrian imperial regalia for state occasions, reflecting the dual nature of the modern monarchy.
Residences
The primary residence of the Sapa Wechua is the Palace of Chinchero in Parap, the ancient capital of the Wechua people. This palace complex incorporates both traditional Wechua architecture and modern additions, serving as the ceremonial center of the Wechua monarchy.
Since the formation of Nouvelle Alexandrie, the Sapa Wechua also maintains residences at:
- Palace of Carranza, Cardenas - the official royal residence in the federal capital
- La Alborada, Chambery - a private estate in Valencia
