Gilpin observer., 1911-03-23

have been peculiarly the object OF early fanatl-
cism no less than of treasure hunters, which de-
spite the rainless climate made of it more COM
pete ruin even than others in Peru Smaller
than the later sun temple OF the Incas. 1t was
more gorgeous. Not only painted with designs IN
many tints. it also quite certainly incrusted
with precious stones and gold presented py the
Inca Hvaina Qhapaj.
OF the ancient city at least one-quarter was
occupied by the temple district and the remainder
was divided by streets, 13 and 16 feet wide,
with courts and buildings Of palatial proportions.
In the city four hills, the walls encircling 1t
all completely On the northwest these barriers
from IL to 13 feet high and in general feet
broad, although this in places increased to IT,
Vast crowds have filled the city at many
times, for the wide adobe housetops and walls.
which used constantly by pedestrians. are
worn perfectly smooth on certain thoroughfares
by the constant passing Of multitudes.
Outside the city walls is widespreading desert.
one will distant only half mile). not less than
20 feet wide and ATS yards long. still curvng
around the despoiled riches 1t once protected.
OF all this great ruined the sun temple
itself is most conspicuous. rising 800 feet above
the general level on a series of terraces; four
on the northeast and northwest. five on the south
east.
The modern history OF this most interesting
region begins with the journey of fernando Pi-
zarro ordered by his more famous brother in 1888
to capture the temple treasures Of Pachacamac.
Pizarro had heard Of its splendors at Cajamarca.
when the Inca Atahualpa had told him that ten
days away the road to Cuzco" was a mosque"
chief sanctuary OF whole people, and held in
highest reverence by himself and his father
Huaina Capac; and that 1t contained vast treasure
in gold and silver offerings. But fernando P
travelled only about 18 miles day. taking
22 days to cover the $40 miles; whereas the swift
Indian runners bore messages OF warning in far
less time lone old Indian from La Paz
to Tacna 100 miles. in three days.. and much Of
the golden treasure was removed concealed
before his arrival Enough remained. however.
for colossal riches
His conquest complete reaching the
sanctuary He at once demolished the shrine OF
the temple OF Pachacamac. and it's most sacred
IDOL in presence OF the whole people assembled.
raising cross upon the debris. Thus began the
decline OF what 30 splendid and 30 vital
a part of the early life.
After taking Cuzco Francisco Pizarro came in
1884 to Pachacamac holding wild orgies in the
sacred courts and still further horrifyng a people
already crushed and outraged
The final struggle came. however. and the de-
population Of the entire valley began. In the wars
Of Nance Inca. who In 1885 gathered all the In
dians In q futile death struggle with Spain. After
that the sands blew in and the old faith.
actually and metaphorically; Franciscans Angus
unians, Jesuits came successfully to the valley.
and its distinctive history was past
But the keenness Of archaeological vision has
made the old days live again. has vitalized the
ancient faith and brought before modern eyes the
actual daily life and worship Of these prehistoric
tribes, whose whitened skulls still cluster about
their violated shrine.