Today we are going to explain the most important Inca Gold Myths, legends that have played on mysticism and human greed.
Although many of these Inca myths have no historical basis and may have been exaggerated or invented over time, they are still fascinating. The truth is that the Incas accumulated great wealth, but much of it was sadly plundered and destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors during the colonization of South America.
Inca Empire, geography and evolution
The Inca Empire was one of the largest and most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations in South America. Its territory extended from the coastal region of present-day Ecuador to northern Chile and Argentina, encompassing much of the Andes and the Amazon region.
This empire originated around the 13th century in the region of Cuzco, in present-day Peru. The first Inca emperor, Manco Capac, established a series of alliances and conquests that allowed the empire to expand. The Incas built a network of roads and bridges to connect their different regions and cities, which allowed for greater economic and cultural integration.
Religion was a central part of Inca culture, and sun worship was particularly important. The Incas built temples and shrines in honor of their gods, and celebrated a series of festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.
Rise and fall of the Inca empire
The empire reached its apogee during the reign of Pachacutec, in the 15th century, who promoted a series of great architectural and military works. However, after the arrival of the Spaniards led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532, the Inca Empire began to decline rapidly. The military superiority of the Spanish, the introduction of European diseases and the internal division of the Incas allowed the Spaniards to take control of the empire in less than a decade, sweeping away the myths of the Inca Gold.
The Inca Empire, as we can see, was an advanced civilization that developed in the Andes of South America, and spread over a large part of the region. Its culture was characterized by its religion, its architecture, its political system and its communication and transportation network. However, the arrival of the Spanish marked the beginning of their decline and eventual conquest.
Inca Gold Myths
There are many myths and legends about Inca treasures, since the Incas accumulated large amounts of wealth in gold, silver and other precious metals, which were used both for religious purposes and to ornament their temples and palaces.
El Dorado
One of the most famous Inca gold myths is that of the lost city of gold, also known as El Dorado. According to legend, the Incas would have hidden a large amount of gold in a secret city somewhere in the Andes, which has never been found.
Temple of the Sun in Cuzco
Another popular Inca gold myth is that of the treasure of the Temple of the Sun in Cuzco, which is said to have been hidden by the Incas during the Spanish conquest. According to legend, the treasure included large quantities of gold and silver, as well as sacred objects and relics.
Treasure of Atahualpa
There is also the legend of the treasure of Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, who supposedly offered the Spaniards a large amount of gold and silver in exchange for his freedom, but was executed by the Spaniards without the treasure’s whereabouts being known.
Fountain of Youth of Paitititi
The legend of the Fountain of Youth of Paititi, which is located in the Amazon region of South America. According to legend, the Incas built a secret city called Paititi in the heart of the jungle, where there is a water fountain that has the power to rejuvenate and prolong life. It is said that the Incas would have hidden great treasures in this city, which has not yet been discovered.
Mountain of the Seven Colors
Another famous myth is that of the Mountain of the Seven Colors, located in Peru. According to legend, the Incas hid great quantities of gold and other treasures in the nearby mountains, and that the Mountain of the Seven Colors is the place where the Incas hid their most valuable treasures.
Mining activity in Peru today
Peru is one of the main gold producers in the world. Gold mining in Peru is mainly concentrated in the Andean region, where important gold deposits are found.
The Andean region of Peru, which covers a large part of the Andes mountain range, is one of the most mineral-rich areas in the world. This region is rich in gold, silver, copper and other minerals, and has important gold deposits in places such as Cajamarca, La Libertad, Ancash, Arequipa and Madre de Dios.
According to Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, gold production in the country reached an all-time record in 2020, with more than 140 tons produced. Gold mining is one of Peru’s main economic activities, and generates significant income for the country.
Gold mining and its problems
However, gold mining in Peru is not without controversy. Gold mining often involves the exploitation of cheap labor and precarious working conditions, as well as negative environmental impacts such as water pollution and soil degradation. In addition, illegal gold mining is a serious problem in Peru, especially in the Madre de Dios region, where a large amount of deforestation and pollution due to illegal mining activity has been reported.
The search for gold does not cease and there is currently a search for extraction zones. Even popular US gold figures such as Parker Schnabel from the GolD Rush – Parker Trail series are creating content in this area.
