Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Monument

Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, also known as El Inca (12 April 1539 – 23 April 1616), was a renowned chronicler and writer from the Viceroyalty of Peru. Born as Gómez Suárez de Figueroa, he embarked on a journey to Spain at the age of 21. There, he received an informal education and established his residence for the remainder of his life. As the illegitimate son of a Spanish conquistador and an Inca noblewoman, born during the early years of the conquest, Garcilaso de la Vega gained recognition primarily for his chronicles that explored Inca history, culture, and society. His writings gained widespread popularity in Europe, influencing readers and receiving acclaim. Notably, his works were the first literary contributions by an author born in the Americas to become part of the Western canon.

Following his father's passing in 1559, Vega relocated to Spain in 1561, endeavoring to attain official acknowledgment as his father's son. His paternal uncle became his protector, and Vega resided in Spain for the remainder of his life. It was during this time that he authored his notable histories concerning Inca civilization, the Spanish conquest, and an account of Hernando de Soto's expedition in Florida.

He received a top-notch informal European education in Spain at 21. His works hold literary value and go beyond mere historical accounts. Being of Inca descent, he presents the Inca rulers as benevolent, depicting a prosperous society prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Drawing from personal experience and insights gained from his maternal relatives, he accurately describes the Incas' political system of tribute and labor imposed on subordinate tribes. Despite being raised Roman Catholic, his portrayal of Incan religion and empire expansion reflects his upbringing. Notably, he omits any mention of human sacrifices, possibly to present a more positive image of his Inca ancestors to a Spanish audience or due to his lack of knowledge after spending most of his life in Spain.