MANCO IN'CA ( ?-1544). The last Peruvian ruler to oppose successfully the Spanish invasion of his country. He was the son of Huayna Capac (q.v.) and succeeded to the native headship after the murders of his brothers, Huascar and Ata hualpa (1533), and tried to make friendly terms with the Spaniards, placing himself in their power. Pizarro treated him courteously and supervised his installation in accordance with the native rites. Alaneo, with a body of natives and Spanish auxiliaries, defeated the remnants of Atahualpa's armies, who were still maintain ing the fight for independence against the Span iards. Further acquaintaince with his new friends changed his ideas, however, and in April, 1536. Manco left Cuzco and called upon his people to rally and drive out the Spaniards. A fierce at tack was made on Cuzco. during which most of the city was burnt, but the followers of Pizarro successfully defended their position. After a
siege of five months, the Inca was compelled to retire, in order that his people might go home to sow their fields. He established himself at the stronghold of 011antay-Tambo, in the Yucay Val ley. There Pizarro tried to capture him, but the attack was repulsed, and the natives fol lowed the Spaniards back to Cuzco, which was again besieged. The arrival of Spanish reinforce ments from Mexico and Panama and the return of Almagro from Chile compelled the Inca to withdraw to the wild mountainous country be tween the rivers Apurimac and Vileamayu, where he maintained his independence with a small body of his relatives and followers. Several rene gade Spaniards, driven from Peru, sought refuge with him, and one of these killed the Inca during a sudden brawl, in 1544.