The Incas adopted this practice from the Chimor kingdom. Split inheritance is when all the political power and titles of the ruler went to his successor but all his possessions remained in the hands of his male descendants or other heirs, who would use them to support the cult of the dead Inca's mummy for eternity. This satisfied other potential heirs materially and encouraged the new leader to gaine more territory and wealth. Each new Inca needed to secure possessions to ensure that his own cult and place for eternity. This is unusual considering that in most European countries a rulers successor was the first male descendant in their blood line if they had one and they would receive the rulers possessions as well.