Inca-Chanka war

The Inca-Chanka war was a military conflict fought between Cusco and the Chanka chiefdom around 1438. It is the final conflict between these two people.

After a victory during the siege of Cusco, the Inca armies marched into Chanka territory and defeated them at the battle of Yahuar Pampa.

The war was an important event to the geo-politics of the region, and opened the way for the creation of the Inca Empire. Because of his victory, Cusi Yupanqui gained universal recognition, overthrowing his father, the ruler of Cusco, and his brother Urco, the co-ruler and designated heir. Through his new found prestige he rapidly initiated the Inca expansion.

The Chanka chiefdom, which was the dominant political entity before the war, fell into insignificance.

The war has become a part of Peruvian national myth, which is why some historians and archeologists believe its effects have been largely exaggerated by the Inca ruling class, who made Cusi Yupanqui the archetype of its philosophical principals.

The War
During the reign of Viracocha Inca, the Chanka armies left their territory, around 1430, in order to conquer Cusco. Their forces were divided into three, in respect to the ancient tradition of the Andes. One army was heading towards Cusco, while the other two were in charge of conquering Kunti Suyu.

Once Viracocha Inca and his son, Urco, who he had named co-ruler, heard of the Chanka attack, they fled Cusco together with their court. Another son of Viracocha Inca, Cusi Yupanqui, stayed with a handful of generals in order to protect the capital. The Canas and the Canchis, to the south of Cusco, allied with the Inca, while the Ayarmaca allied with the Chanka. But the majority of the surrounding Chiefdoms waited to see the outcome of the war.

Siege of Cusco
The Chanka forces, convinced of their victory, attacked Cusco. However, against previous expectations, the Inca managed to defeat the Chankas, who were forced to retreat. Cusi Yupanqui, wanting to annihilate the Chanka chiefdom, led his armies into Chanka territory in order to win a decisive victory.

Battle of Yahuar Pampa
The two armies met at the village of Ichupampa, where a battle ensued, which the Incas won. This victory established Inca dominance over the region.

Inca conquest
When Cusi Yupanqui became emperor, his first act was to lead a military campaign against the previous Allies and confederates of the Chankas. After having conquered the old Chanka territory he organized a triumph in Cusco.