Sinchi Roca (a.k.a. Cinchi Roca; Quechua Sinchi Roq'a Inca "valorous generous Inca") was the second Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cuzco (beginning around 1230 CE, though as early as 1105 CE according to some) and a member of the Húrin dynasty. He was the son and successor of Manco Cápac and the father of Lloque Yupanqui.
The Kingdom of Cuzco later became Tahuantinsuyu (or the Inca empire) under the rule of Pachacuti. In one of the Inca foundation myths, Sinchi Roca led his family to the valley of Cuzco.
The chronicler Pedro Cieza de León states that Sinchi Roca built terraces and imported enormous quantities of soil in order to improve the fertility of the valley.
Sinchi is known for the story of Teuotihi. Teuotihi was an Inca diplomat sent to a neighboring kingdom to deliver a message. However, he was promptly killed on arrival and sent back to Sinchi Roca, headless. This prompted a war and a decisive Inca victory at the Battle of Mauedipi. While in Inca legend this led to the dominance of Cuzco over the surrounding valleys, archaeological evidence and the testimony of other groups points to the continued insignificance of the Inca under his rule.
Sinchi came to be used as the title for a mayor or local ruler, while Cápac, one of his father's names, became the title for a warlord.
| Preceded by Manco Cápac |
Sapa Inca c. 1230 CE |
Succeeded by Lloque Yupanqui |