The Sapa Inca (from Quechua "Sapa Inka" "the only Inca") was the ruler of the Kingdom of Cuzco and later, the Emperor of the Inca Empire ("Tawantinsuyu") and the Neo-Inca State. While the origins of the position are mythical and originate from the legendary foundation of the city of Cusco, it seems to have come into being historically around 1100 CE. Although the Inca believed the Sapa to be the son of Inti (the Inca Sun god) and often referred to him as "Intip Churin" or ‘Son of the Sun,’ the position eventually became hereditary, with son succeeding father. The principal wife of the Inca was known as the Coya or Qoya. The Sapa Inca was at the top of the social hierarchy, and played a dominant role in the political and spiritual realm.