Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamaygua facts for kids

Drawing of the Inca worldview by Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamayhua (1613). This drawing shows how the Inca people saw the world, similar to an image in the Temple of the Sun Coricancha.

Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamayhua was an important indigenous writer from the Viceroyalty of Peru. He lived from the late 1500s into the 1600s. He is known for writing a special book called Relación de las antigüedades deste Reyno del Perú, which means "List of the antiquities of this Kingdom of Peru."

This book, though short, is very valuable. It helps us understand the history and culture of the ancient people of Peru, especially the Inca Empire, from an indigenous point of view.

Who Was Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti?

Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamayhua was a native Peruvian. He lived during a time when Peru was under Spanish rule. He came from a noble family, possibly of Aymara or Quechua background. His full name shows his connection to both Spanish and indigenous cultures.

He was a chronicler. This means he was someone who wrote down historical events and stories. His writings give us a rare look at the past through the eyes of someone who grew up with the traditions and knowledge of the native people.

His Important Book

Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti's most famous work is Relación de las antigüedades deste Reyno del Perú. He finished writing it around 1613. In this book, he shared many details about the history, myths, and customs of the Inca Empire before the Spanish arrived.

He wrote about the Inca kings, their gods, and how they organized their society. What makes his book special is that he included drawings. One famous drawing shows the Inca view of the universe, like a map of their beliefs. This drawing is thought to be based on an image from the important Inca temple, Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun.

Why His Work Matters

Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti's book is very important for several reasons:

• Indigenous Perspective: Most of what we know about the Inca Empire comes from Spanish writers. His work offers a unique view from an indigenous person. This helps us understand the Inca world in a more complete way.
• Cultural Details: He recorded many details about Inca religion, ceremonies, and daily life that might have been lost otherwise.
• Historical Source: His writings are a key source for historians and researchers who study the ancient cultures of Peru. They help us piece together the rich history of the region.

His work helps us appreciate the deep knowledge and traditions of the native people of Peru. It reminds us that history can be told from many different points of view.

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamaygua para niños