Battle of Zepita facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Zepita
Part of the Peruvian War of Independence
Date 25 August 1823 Location Zepita District, Puno Region, Peru Result indecisive
Belligerents
Peru	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Andrés de Santa Cruz	Jerónimo Valdés
Strength
1,600	1,800
Casualties and losses
28 killed 84 wounded 30 captured	100 killed 184 captured

The Battle of Zepita, also known as the Battle of Chua Chua, was an important fight during the Peruvian War of Independence. This battle happened on August 25, 1823, in the Puno Region of Peru. It was a clash between the forces fighting for Peru's freedom and the Spanish army, who were still in control of the region.

What Was the Battle of Zepita?

The Battle of Zepita was a military conflict that took place in 1823. It was part of a larger war where Peru was trying to gain its independence from Spain. The battle involved two main groups: the Peruvian forces, led by Andrés de Santa Cruz, and the Spanish Royalist army, led by Jerónimo Valdés.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On one side were the Peruvian independence fighters. They were led by General Andrés de Santa Cruz, who would later become a very important leader in Peru. His army had about 1,600 soldiers.

On the other side were the Spanish Royalist forces. These were soldiers loyal to the King of Spain. Their commander was General Jerónimo Valdés. The Spanish army was slightly larger, with about 1,800 soldiers.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

The battle took place near a town called Zepita. This area is in the Puno Region of southern Peru. It's a high-altitude region, which can make fighting difficult.

Key Moments of the Battle

The Battle of Zepita was a fierce fight. Both sides fought hard, and the battle lasted for some time.

What Was the Outcome?

After the fighting, the battle was considered "indecisive." This means that neither side won a clear victory. It wasn't a total win for the Peruvian forces, nor was it a complete defeat for the Spanish.

However, the Peruvian army, led by Santa Cruz, did manage to capture some important supplies from the Spanish. They took 240 rifles, which are firearms, and 240 lances, which are long spears. They also captured 52 saddles for horses and 63 sabers, which are swords. This showed that the Peruvian forces were able to hold their own and even gain some resources.

Why Was It Important?

Even though the Battle of Zepita didn't have a clear winner, it was still a significant event. It showed the strength and determination of the Peruvian independence movement. It also helped to wear down the Spanish forces, bringing Peru closer to its full independence.