Pocra culture facts for kids

The Pocras were an ancient group of people. They lived in what is now Huamanga, Peru. This was long before the Spanish arrived. They were part of the Wari culture. Their time was from about 500 to 1000 CE. The Pocras were known for their amazing pottery. Many examples have been found in places like Conchopata.

History of the Pocras

Where Did the Pocras Come From?

Clues from Language

We don't have exact records about where the Pocras first came from. But experts who study languages, called ethnolinguists, have found clues. They believe the Pocras spoke a language related to Proto-Aymara. This language family is often called "Ara."

Languages from the mountains of Peru are usually "Ara." Languages from the coast are often "Aka." Since the Pocras spoke an "Ara" language, it suggests they originally came from the mountains.

Where They Lived

The Pocras were close friends with another group called the Hanan Chancas. The Hanan Chancas lived along the Ankoyagu River, which is now called the Mantaro River. Their family groups were known as "Anko ayllus."

At one point, the Pocras, also called the Pacora, spread far. They even settled on the north coast of Peru. They lived in valleys like Jayanca and Pacora. Later, after a war with the Quechuas from Cusco, some Pocras leaders moved. They went to the jungle in northeastern Peru. There, they built new centers in cities like Lamas and Tarapoto.

Two Chanca Groups

It's important to know there were two main Chanca groups. Spanish writers, like Juan de Betanzos, wrote about them. The Uran Chancas of Andahuaylas were different from the Hanan Chancas of Parkos. The Uran Chancas were like servants to the Hanan Chancas. The Uran Chancas also gave up peacefully to the Inca Empire.

There wasn't a "Pocra-Chanca Confederation" as some might think. The Pocras were allies not only with the Hanan Chancas but also with the Wankas and Ankaras. These groups attacked the city of Cusco together. Brave Pocras warriors, called "Aukas," were part of these attacks.

Joining the Inca Empire

The Inca Empire grew very powerful. The Inca ruler Pachacútec led a military campaign. He defeated the Pocra-Chanca army near Cusco. After taking over nearby areas, he wanted to add the Chancas, Soras, Rucanas, and Pocras to his empire.

Pachacútec left his brother, Lloque Yupanqui, in charge of Cusco. He then went on a campaign against the Soras. His army split into three groups. One group, led by Apo Conde Mayta, surrounded the Pocras in Vilcas. They reached Parkos, which is northwest of modern-day Ayacucho, Peru. Once in Parkos, the Incas took control of the Vilcos, Morochucos, Pocras, and Iquichanos.

The Incas' takeover of the Pocras' land was difficult. But the Incas allowed a small Pocras group to remain. They even had an administrator named Simi Auka. This lasted until the Spanish arrived.

After conquering the Rucanas, Pachacútec focused on Pacora. This was a place where the Pocras and Soras had sought safety. The Pocras fought back for a long time. Pachacútec tried to offer them rewards if they surrendered. But the Pocras made fun of his messengers and threw rocks at them. So, Pachacútec cut off their food and water. Eventually, the Pocras and Soras had to give up. They promised to pay taxes and be loyal to the Inca ruler. However, they often rebelled against the Incas later on.

After this, the Incas created new provinces. These included Parkos, with its center at Paukaray. Guamanka (Pacora Quimpo) had its center at Guaman Qocha. Other provinces were Ankaras, Chukrupus, and Rukanas. Their main center was Vilcashuamán. Because the area was so large, it was divided into Lucanas and Vilcashuamán.

See also

In Spanish: Pocras para niños