Sinchiruca facts for kids
Sinchiruca was an important military leader of the Inca Empire in the late 1400s. He was a Grand General, also known as an Apusquipay. Sinchiruca was related to the Inca ruler Tupac Yupanqui. He was chosen as one of the main commanders for the Inca army's fight against the Mapuche people. This campaign ended with a very difficult battle known as the Battle of the Maule.
Not much is known about Sinchiruca's life. Most of what we know comes from old writings about the war itself. Even his name is not completely certain. It might be linked to an earlier ruler named Sinchi Roca. Over time, "Sinchi" became a title for local leaders, not just a name.
Leading the Inca Army
According to a book from 1617 called Comentarios Reales by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Sinchiruca was one of three generals from the royal family. They were sent to fight against the southern neighbors of the Inca Empire. His army started with about 10,000 soldiers.
The Long Campaign South
Sinchiruca's military journey lasted for six years. During this time, his army grew much larger, reaching about 50,000 soldiers. He successfully took control of several areas in what is now northern Chile. These areas included Copiapó, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, and the Maipo Valley. The Maipo Valley is near where the city of Santiago is today.
After securing the Maipo Valley, Sinchiruca sent 20,000 of his soldiers further south. They marched into the valley of the Maule River. The people living in this area were called the Picunche. Their land stretched even further south to the Itata River. The Picunche people living south of the Maipo Valley did not want to be ruled by the Inca. They asked their friends and allies from south of the Maule River to help them. These allies included the Antalli, Pincu, and Cauqui people.
The Battle of the Maule
The Inca expedition ended with a major fight called the Battle of the Maule. This battle lasted for three days. Neither side could win a clear victory. Both the Inca and the Mapuche suffered many losses. Reports say that about half of the soldiers were killed and nearly half were wounded. This difficult battle stopped the Inca Empire from expanding any further south.
See also
In Spanish: Sinchiruca para niños
