Ayarmaca facts for kids

The Ayarmaca were a powerful group of people who lived in the Cusco valley area of ancient Peru. They were very strong and even the early Incas, who later built a huge empire, were a bit scared of them!

The Ayarmaca people appeared around the 13th century, after the Wari culture had declined. They might have been a strong kingdom, often working closely with another group called the Pinagua.

Some stories say that Ayar Auca, one of the brothers in the famous Inca legend of the Ayar Brothers, was actually a leader of the Ayarmaca. This legend tells how Ayar Auca named the Cusco valley "Acamama," which means "Pile of stones."

Písac today, this valley was dominated for two centuries by the Ayarmacas until the Inca invasion.

Where did the Ayarmaca live?

The Ayarmaca controlled a large area north and northwest of what is now the Cusco region. This included places like Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Calca, Chita, and Písac.

Their allies, the Pinagua, lived in the eastern towns of Quispicancha, Pikillaqta Sailla, and near Lucre Lake.

The Ayarmaca were a powerful group, ruling over 18 towns and cities. Today, only a small area in the San Sebastián district of Cusco is still called the Ayarmaca neighborhood.

When were the Ayarmaca most powerful?

The Ayarmaca were a very influential group, even more so than other nearby kingdoms. They often fought wars with their neighbors, including the Incas. These conflicts lasted for about 200 years, from the time the Incas were just starting out until the rise of the great Inca leader Pachacuti.

What happened to the Ayarmaca?

Towards the end of the 14th century, a new threat appeared from the south and west: the Chanka people. They were becoming a powerful empire themselves and started to intimidate the Ayarmaca.

However, the smaller Inca group managed to defeat the fierce Chankas in a big battle. This victory made many surrounding peoples want to join forces with the Incas.

After the Inca victory, the Ayarmaca lands were divided into three smaller kingdoms. Eventually, their territories were taken over and became part of the growing Inca Empire.

See also

In Spanish: Ayarmaca para niños