Vesselsc. 1450 CE
Ceremonial Kero Vessel
Used in sacred rituals to offer chicha (corn beer) to the Sun God, these gold vessels feature intricate geometric patterns.
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The Sacred Gold of theIncan Empire
Explore the magnificent legacy of gold in one of history's greatest civilizations—from sacred ceremonies to masterful craftsmanship
Begin the JourneyDiscover the Legacy
Gold: The Sweat of the Sun
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To the Incas, gold was far more than a precious metal—it was qori, the sacred sweat of Inti, the Sun God. Unlike European colonizers who sought gold for wealth, the Incas revered it for its spiritual significance, crafting it into objects of worship rather than currency.
A Divine Connection
The Incan emperor, or Sapa Inca, was believed to be a direct descendant of the Sun God. Gold adorned temples, palaces, and sacred gardens, reflecting the divine light of Inti across the empire.
Master Craftsmen
Incan goldsmiths were among the most skilled in the ancient world, creating intricate masks, ceremonial vessels, and jewelry that demonstrated sophisticated techniques of hammering, casting, and alloying.
1438Empire Founded
2M+Sq Km Territory
12MPopulation
1533Spanish Conquest
Sacred Treasures
Gold Artifacts
Discover the masterful craftsmanship of Incan goldsmiths through these remarkable artifacts that survived centuries
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Vessels
Jewelryc. 1400 CE
Sun Medallion Necklace
Worn by nobility, this elaborate necklace symbolizes the wearer's divine connection to Inti, the Sun God.
Ceremonialc. 1470 CE
Sacred Llama Figurine
Llamas held great spiritual significance. Gold figurines were offerings to ensure prosperity and protection.
Through the Ages
The Golden Timeline
Trace the rise and fall of gold's significance in the Incan Empire
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1200 CE
Kingdom of Cusco
The Inca civilization begins in the Cusco valley, with gold already central to religious practices.
1438 CE
Empire Expansion
Pachacuti transforms the kingdom into an empire, establishing gold as sacred across new territories.
1470 CE
Peak Goldwork
Incan gold craftsmanship reaches its zenith with the construction of Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun.
1532 CE
Spanish Arrival
Francisco Pizarro arrives, beginning the conquest that would see most Incan gold melted down.
1533 CE
Atahualpa's Ransom
The last Sapa Inca offers a room filled with gold for his freedom—one of history's largest ransoms.
Explore Topics
Dive Deeper
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Gold Mining
Discover how the Incas extracted gold from rivers and mountains using ingenious techniques.
Trade Routes
Explore the vast network of roads that connected the empire and facilitated the movement of gold.
Jewelry & Adornment
Marvel at the intricate gold jewelry worn by nobility and used in sacred ceremonies.
Ceremonial Objects
Understand the spiritual significance of gold artifacts used in worship and ritual.
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"We Christians know that gold and silver is not the true treasure, but the Incas worshipped the sun, and gold was the sun's sweat."— Pedro de Cieza de León, Spanish Conquistador & Chronicler, 1553