The Chancas were a pre-Columbian culture that lived in the highlands of central Peru from around 1200 AD to 1450 AD. The Chanka people were known for their military might and resistance to outside forces, which made them an important factor in the political landscape of the region.
Despite their fierce reputation, the Chanka culture was also marked by a rich artistic and cultural heritage, which is still celebrated in Peru today.
While traveling and discovering new cultures of Peru and its beautiful costumes and people in Peru you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to understand and find new adventures, here in PeruSIM.
Origins

The exact origins of the Chanca culture are uncertain, but it is believed that they emerged as a distinct cultural group in the highlands of central Peru around 1200 AD. The Chanka people were an agricultural society, and they cultivated crops such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa in the rugged mountain terrain of their homeland.
Characteristics of chancas
The Chanca culture was organized into a complex system of clans and warrior groups, each with its own leader and fighting force.
Chanca warriors were renowned for their skill in battle, and they used a variety of weapons, including spears, slingshots, and maces. They also used armor made of woven cotton or animal hide to protect themselves in battle.
Despite their reputation as a warlike people, the Chanka culture was also marked by a rich artistic and cultural heritage.
They produced exquisite textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, and their art often depicted scenes of everyday life, mythological creatures, and religious ceremonies. Chanka textiles, in particular, are prized for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Society and Governance

The Chanca society was organized into clans, which were led by a hereditary chief called a “curaca”. The curacas were responsible for the governance of their clan, and they were also military leaders in times of war. The curacas were supported by a council of elders, who were responsible for decision-making and conflict resolution within the clan.
The Chanca people were skilled farmers, and they developed sophisticated irrigation systems to cultivate crops in the rugged mountain terrain. They grew a variety of crops, including maize, potatoes, and quinoa, which formed the basis of their diet.
Warfare and Military Might
The Chanca people were renowned for their military might, and they were feared by neighboring cultures for their skill in battle.
The Chanca warriors were well-trained and well-equipped, using a variety of weapons such as spears, slingshots, and maces. They also used armor made of woven cotton or animal hide to protect themselves in battle.
Despite their military prowess, their people were also known for their strategic alliances and diplomacy.
They formed alliances with neighboring cultures to strengthen their military and political position, and they were skilled negotiators in matters of trade and commerce.
They were one of the major rivals of the Inca Empire, and their conflict with the Incas is considered one of the most significant military encounters in pre-Columbian South America.
Chancas vs. Incas

The first recorded conflict between the Chancas and the Incas took place in the mid-15th century when the Inca ruler Pachacuti launched a campaign to expand his empire. The Chancas resisted the Inca invasion and launched a counterattack, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Chancas.
After the defeat of the Inca army, the Chancas marched towards the Inca capital of Cusco with the intention of sacking the city. However, the Inca ruler Pachacuti and his army managed to regroup and launch a counteroffensive, which resulted in a significant victory for the Incas.
The Inca victory marked a turning point in the conflict between the two civilizations. The Incas continued to expand their empire, while the Chancas were forced to retreat and abandon their plans to conquer Cusco. The Inca victory also resulted in the incorporation of the Chancas into the Inca Empire, and many Chancas were assimilated into Inca society.
Despite their defeat, the Chancas continued to resist Inca rule and launched several rebellions against the Inca Empire. These rebellions were largely unsuccessful, and the Chancas were eventually absorbed into Inca culture.
The war between the Chancas and the Incas had significant cultural and political implications. The Inca victory over the Chancas solidified their dominance over the Andean region and enabled the expansion of the Inca Empire. The conflict also had a significant impact on Inca culture, as many Chancas were assimilated into Inca society, contributing to the diversity and complexity of Inca civilization.
In conclusion, the conflict between the Chancas and the Incas was a significant military encounter in pre-Columbian South America.
The war marked a turning point in the history of the region, with the Inca victory solidifying their dominance over the Andean region and enabling the expansion of their empire. The Chancas’ resistance to Inca rule and their eventual assimilation into Inca culture highlight the complexity and diversity of Andean civilization.
Religion and Beliefs
The Chanca culture was deeply rooted in religion and spirituality. They worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses, including the creator god Viracocha, the sun god Inti, and the moon goddess Mama Killa.
The Chanca people believed that these deities controlled the natural world, and they performed elaborate rituals and offered sacrifices to ensure their favor and protection.
Their people also believed in the existence of an afterlife, and they buried their dead with offerings and belongings to help them in the next world. The Chanca culture was influenced by both Andean and Amazonian religions, which is reflected in their art and mythology.
Collapse and Legacy
Despite their fierce resistance to the Inca empire, the Chanca culture eventually succumbed to the superior military might of the Inca forces. The Chanca people were conquered and absorbed into the Inca empire, and their culture was assimilated into the broader Andean civilization.
The legacy of the Chanca culture continues to be celebrated in Peru today. Their exquisite art and textiles are prized for their beauty and craftsmanship, and their reputation as fierce warriors and defenders of their homeland remains an important part of the cultural identity of the region.
The Chanca people were also known for their sophisticated irrigation and agricultural systems, which are still used in the region today.
The Chanca culture was a remarkable civilization that made significant contributions to the cultural and military history of Peru. Their military might and resistance to outside forces, combined with their artistic and cultural achievements, continue to inspire and fascinate people today.
The legacy of the Chanca people is an important part of the rich cultural tapestry of the Andean region, and their story serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of ancient civilizations.
Finally, we know that you have to keep communication with your relatives and friends, that you need to be able to orient yourself in new cities, that you might need help with translation and that you might need to search for restaurants or hotels. That’s why with PeruSIM you can buy a SIM card including the data plan of your need without having to worry about high roaming costs.