Inca-Chanka war
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Inca-Chanka war was a military conflict fought between Cusco and the Chanka chiefdom around 1438. It is the final conflict between these two people.[1][2]
Chanka-Inca war | |||||||
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Painting representing Inca warriors fighting the Chankas. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Cusco Chiefdom | Chanka Chiefdom | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Pachacuti |
Astoy Huaraca Tomay Huaraca |
After a victory during the siege of Cusco, the Inca armies marched into Chanka territory and defeated them at the battle of Yahuar Pampa.[3]
The war was an important event to the geo-politics of the region, and opened the way for the creation of the Inca Empire. Because of his victory, Cusi Yupanqui gained universal recognition, overthrowing his father, the ruler of Cusco, and his brother Urco, the co-ruler and designated heir. Through his new found prestige he rapidly initiated the Inca expansion.[4]
The Chanka chiefdom, which was the dominant political entity before the war, fell into insignificance.
The war has become a part of Peruvian national myth, which is why some historians and archeologists believe its effects have been largely exaggerated by the Inca ruling class, who made Cusi Yupanqui the archetype of its philosophical principals.[5]