Final answer:
Pachacuti's reign is seen as historic because it signifies the beginning of the Inca Empire's expansion, including his famous victory over the Chimor and the creation of a structured, centralized government. It set the stage for cultural identity and everything from military to infrastructural enhancements under his rule and that of his successors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Historic Significance of Pachacuti's Reign
The reign of Pachacuti Sapa Inca is considered historic because it marked the beginning of the Inca Empire's significant expansion and transformation into a centralized state. Under the leadership of Pachacuti, starting around 1430, the empire grew through a series of successful military campaigns and conquests, expanding into much of modern-day Peru. His victories included the notable defeat of the Chimor kingdom to the north of Cuzco. As the first Sapa Inca of the rapidly growing empire, Pachacuti oversaw not only military conquests but also the infrastructural development and political restructuring necessary for maintaining control over the vast territories. His legacy was continued by his successors, including Thumpa and Wayna Qhapaq, who expanded the empire even further into regions that are part of today's Chile, Argentina, the Amazon basin, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Pachacuti's achievements are not merely military; his actions paved the way for the development of a complex government structure and the Inca's cultural and religious identity. The administration was hierarchical, with the Sapa Inca at the top, followed by a high priest and a council of nobility. Meanwhile, large-scale infrastructure projects like roads, taxation, and census were carried out under the empire's centralized bureaucracy, supporting its continued growth and stability. The significance of Pachacuti's reign is thus both political and cultural, making it a historic turn in Inca history.