ansferred to his own pages, and which it would now be difficult to
meet elsewhere." The results of his investigation are embodied in a work
entitled "Memorias Antiguas Historiales del Peru." This, with another
work on the Conquest entitled "Annales," remained in manuscript at
Madrid until the "Memorias" was translated into French by M.
Ternaux-Compans, and printed in his collection of original documents
relating to the discovery and exploration of America.
HIS SCHEME OF PERUVIAN HISTORY.
According to Montesinos, there were three distinct periods in the
history of Peru. First, there was a period which began with the origin
of civilization, and lasted until the first or second century of the
Christian era. Second, there was a period of disintegration, decline,
and disorder, introduced by successful invasions from the east and
southeast, during which the country was broken up into small states, and
many of the arts of civilization were lost; this period lasted more than
a thousand years. Third and last came the period of the Incas, who
revived civilization and restored the empire. He discards the
wonder-stories told of Manco-Capac and Mama Oello, and gives the
Peruvian nation a beginning which is, at least, not incredible. It was
originated, he says, by a people led by four brothers, who settled in
the Valley of Cuzco, and developed civilization there in a very human
way. The youngest of these brothers assumed supreme authority, and
became the first of a long line of sovereigns.
Montesinos gives a list of sixty-four sovereigns who reigned in the
first period. The first was Puhua Manco, or Ayar-Uchu-Topa, the youngest
of the four brothers, whose power was increased by the willing
submission of "neighboring nations." His successor, called Manco-Capac,
is described as a remarkable character; "adjacent nations dreaded his
power," and in his time the kingdom was much increased. Next came
Huainaevi-Pishua, and "during his reign was known the use of letters,
and the _amautas_ taught astrology and the art of writing on leaves of
the plantain tree." Sinchi-Cozque won victories, and "adorned and
fortified the city of Cuzco." Inti-Capac-Yupanqui, another remarkable
character, divided the kingdom into districts and subdistricts,
introduced a complete civil organization, instituted the solar year of
three hundred and sixty-five days, and established the system of
couriers. Manco-Capac II. "made great roads from Cuzco to the
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