His father appointed him to head the
Inca army before his reign as emperor, granting him the title of
Auqui, or crown prince, at a young age. Topa Inca launched multiple large-scale expeditions to the north during his period as Auqui, subduing regions such as Hatun Xauxa, the Bombon Plateau, and
Huaylas. Cities and sites the army he commanded besieged and captured at this time include Curamba, Huaylla-Pucara, Canta, and, most importantly,
Chan Chan. He extended the realm along the Andes through modern Ecuador, and developed a special fondness for the city of
Quito, which he rebuilt with architects from
Cusco. During this time his father
Pachacuti reorganized the kingdom of Cusco into the , the "region of four provinces". Topa Inca led extensive military conquests to extend the Inca empire across much of Southern America. He became Sapa Inca (sole ruler) in his turn upon his father's death in 1471, ruling until his own death in 1493. He
conquered Chimor, which occupied the northern coast of what is now Peru, the largest remaining rival to the Incas. He conquered the province of
Antisuyu and subdued the
Qulla people. He imposed rules and taxes, creating two Suyuyoc Apu (Governor Generals), one in
Jauja and the other in
Tiwanaku. The fortress
Saksaywaman, established by Pachacuti on the high plateau above Cusco, was constructed throughout Topa Inca Yupanqui's reign. Topa Inca died about 1493 in
Chincheros, leaving two legitimate sons and 90 illegitimate sons and daughters. Chuqui Ocllo, one of the wives of Topa Yupanqui, convinced him that his son Capac Huari would succeed him, however, Topa Inca Yupanqoi changed his mind and decided on his son Titu Cusi Hualpa (who would later become emperor
Huayna Capac). This provoked anger in Chuqui Ocllo and she poisoned Topa Inca. She and her favorite son were both killed soon after Topa Inca's death. == The Pacific Expedition ==