Definition

Proper noun: * A city in the Andes mountains of southern Peru; the historic capital of the Inca Empire: Cuzco (also spelled Cusco) is a major city in Peru, renowned as the historical, political, and religious center of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Many tourists travel to Cuzco as the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu.
  • The architecture in Cuzco shows a blend of Inca and Spanish colonial styles.
  • Cuzco was considered the navel of the world by the Inca.

Advanced Usage

• "The Cuzco region": Refers to the broader geographical and administrative area surrounding the city.
  • The Cuzco region is known for its rich cultural heritage and archaeological sites.
• In historical or archaeological contexts, it is often described as "the Inca capital of Cuzco".
  • The conquest of the Inca capital of Cuzco was a pivotal event in South American history.

Variants and Related Words

• Cusco: An alternative, equally common spelling of the city's name.
• Cuzqueño/Cusqueño (adj): Of or relating to the city of Cuzco/Cusco.
  • The Cuzqueño school of painting is famous.
• Qosqo: The Quechua (the language of the Inca) name for the city.

Synonyms

• Historic Inca capital: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its primary historical significance.
• Andean city: A broader geographical descriptor.

Related Terms (Not direct synonyms but closely associated)

• Inca Empire: The civilization for which Cuzco was the capital.
• Machu Picchu: The famous Inca citadel located in the Cuzco region.
• Peru: The modern country where Cuzco is located.

Noun

1. a town in the Andes in southern Peru; formerly the capital of the Inca empire