Following an investigation that involved reviewing church and municipal archives, Fernando Túpac Amaru’s death certificate was located in Madrid, confirming he died in 1798 and was buried at the Church of San Sebastián.
His father, José Gabriel Condorcanqui, known as Túpac Amaru II, led a rebellion against Spanish rule in Cuzco. Though mestizo, he was descendant from the last Inca ruler, Túpac Amaru I (1545-1572). He was brutally executed in 1781, along with his wife Micaela Bastidas and eldest son Hipólito.
His younger sons, Mariano and Fernando, witnessed the execution but were spared due to their age. Sent to Spain, Mariano died during the journey, while Fernando survived and was held captive for several years.
He studied and tried to work as a literary secretary, and spent his life unsuccessfully seeking royal recognition for his Inca heritage and a pension.
He died in poverty and was laid to rest in a charity grave at the church San Sebastián de Madrid on Atocha Street in 1798.
