Ingapirca facts for kids
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Hatun Cañar / Inka Pirka
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Ingapirca, the temple of the sun
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| Region | Cañar Province |
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| Coordinates | 2°32′54.9168″S 78°52′18.768″W / 2.548588000°S 78.87188000°W |
| History | |
| Cultures | Inca |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | yes |
| Website | http://www.complejoingapirca.gob.ec/ |
Ingapirca (which means "Inca wall" in the Kichwa language) is a town in Cañar Province, Ecuador. It is also the name of the largest and most famous Inca ruins and archaeological site in Ecuador.
The most important building at this site is the Temple of the Sun. It has a unique oval shape and was built around a very large rock.
Contents
History of Ingapirca
Long ago, the Cañari people lived in this area. They called their home Hatun Cañar. When the Inca Empire started to grow into southern Ecuador, the Inca ruler Túpac Yupanqui met the Cañari tribe. It was hard for him to conquer them.
Instead of fighting, the Inca leader used clever strategies. He married a Cañari princess. He also helped improve the Cañari city of Guapondelig, which was later renamed Tumebamba or Pumapungo (now the city of Cuenca).
The Inca and Cañari people decided to live together peacefully. The Inca ruler Huayna Capac later built an important astronomical observatory here. The Inca renamed the city Ingapirca. Both the Inca and Cañari kept their own customs and traditions. Even though the Inca were more numerous, they allowed the Cañari to keep their independence.
What was Ingapirca used for?
The Ingapirca complex was built by both the Cañari and Inca people. Its exact purpose is not fully known, but it was used for several things. It served as a strong fortress and a place to store supplies. These supplies would help Inca troops traveling to northern Ecuador.
The people also built a clever underground aqueduct system. This system brought water to the entire site.
The Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is the most important building that remains at the archaeological site. Like most Inca structures, it was built without mortar. The stones were carefully cut and shaped to fit together perfectly.
The temple was built in a special way because of the Inca's beliefs about the sky. Researchers have found that on the solstices (the longest and shortest days of the year), sunlight would shine directly through the main doorway of a small room at the top of the temple. Much of this room has fallen down over time.
Life and Celebrations at Ingapirca
The people held many special celebrations at Ingapirca. They would make large amounts of a local fermented drink to use in their rituals. The Inca and Cañari worshipped the sun and moon. They believed that building their monuments high in the mountains brought them closer to their gods.
The weather at Ingapirca can change very quickly. One minute it might be sunny and calm, and the next it could be rainy, windy, and cold. This changing weather happens all year. Despite the climate, the people strongly believed that this was the special place where their gods had led them.
Visiting Ingapirca
Many travelers visit Ingapirca today. You can take a day trip from the city of Cuenca. Some people also choose to stay overnight in nearby towns like El Tambo or Cañar and visit the site the next day.
Map of the Site
See also
In Spanish: Ingapirca para niños
