Battle of Pasca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Pasca (~1470) |
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| Part of Muisca Confederation wars | |||||||
 Map of Muisca territories Pasca is located in the southwest of the zipa (green) territory |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Zipazgo of the southern Muisca | Sutagao & Panche | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Saguamanchica | cacique of Fusagasugá | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| ~30,000 | unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Pasca was an important fight that happened around 1470. It was fought between the southern Muisca Confederation, led by their powerful ruler, Saguamanchica, and a team-up of the Panche and Sutagao groups. Their leader was the Cacique of Fusagasugá.
This battle took place near Pasca, in what is now Cundinamarca, Colombia. Saguamanchica and his Muisca warriors won the battle.
What Was Happening Before the Battle?
Long ago, before the Spanish arrived, the high mountains of Colombia were home to many different groups of people. The largest group was the Muisca. They lived in the central valleys of the eastern mountains.
At that time, a new leader named Saguamanchica had just taken charge of the southern Muisca. He followed his uncle, Meicuchuca. The Muisca had neighbors all around them. To the northwest were the Muzo. South of the Muisca lived the Panche, who were often their enemies. In the southeast part of Cundinamarca lived the Sutagao.
The Battle of Pasca
Soon after becoming leader in 1470, Saguamanchica decided to try and take over the Sutagao lands. He first sent a small group to check out the area. Then, he followed with a large army of about 30,000 guecha warriors from Bacatá.
The Sutagao and their Panche friends hid in the hills near the Pasca River. But Saguamanchica found them and started the battle. The fight lasted for 12 hours. Finally, the Muisca captured Uzatama, an important leader of the Sutagao. This caused the Sutagao and Panche to run away.
After the battle, the leader of Tibacuy helped the Sutagao agree to be ruled by Saguamanchica.
What Happened Next?
About twenty years later, Saguamanchica fought another big battle. This time, it was against the northern Muisca, led by their ruler, Zaque Michuá. This battle was called the Battle of Chocontá. Sadly, both Muisca rulers died in that fight.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Pasca para niños
