Christian Church built on Incan ruins

Definition

After Spanish conquests during the 16th century, many Christian churches were constructed directly on top of demolished or intact Incan structures as a symbol of dominance and conversion efforts.

Analogy

Imagine you've built an impressive sandcastle at the beach. Then someone comes along and builds their own castle right on top of yours. That's what happened when Christian churches were built over existing Incan structures - it was a way to assert control and dominance.

Related terms

Spanish Conquest: The exploration and conquest by Spain during the Age of Discovery which led to European colonization in Americas including Peru where they encountered Incas.

Cusco Cathedral: A famous example where Spanish colonizers built a Catholic church (completed in 1654) atop an important Inca site known as Kiswarkancha temple.

Syncretism: The merging or assimilation of two or more originally discrete traditions or cultures. In this case, the blending of Christian and Incan beliefs.