<P> The Willaq Umu was the high priest of the Sun (Inti). His position placed him as the second most powerful person in the kingdom . He was directly underneath the Sapa Inca, and they were often brothers . The emperor and his family were believed to be descended from Inti . </P> <P> A great golden disk representing Inti was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1571 and was sent to the pope via Spain . It has since been lost . </P> <P> The Inca dedicated many ceremonies to the Sun in order to ensure the Sapa Inca's welfare . The sun was also important to the Incas, particularly the people of the highlands, because it was necessary for the production of crops like maize and other grains . The sun's heat was also thought to cause rain . During the rainy season the sun was hotter and brighter, while during the dry season it was weaker . </P> <P> The Incas would set aside large quantities of natural and human resources throughout the empire for Inti . Each conquered province was supposed to dedicate a third of their lands and herds to Inti as mandated by the Inca . Each major province would also have a Sun Temple in which male and female priests would serve . The female priests were the mamakuna, who were chosen from the aqllakuna ("chosen women"), and they would weave special cloth and brew chicha for festivities and sacrifices to Inti . </P>

Why was the sun god important to the incas
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