Vilcashuamán or Vilcasguaman (from
QuechuaWillka Waman, "sacred hawk") is the capital of
Vilcas Huamán Province,
Ayacucho region,
Peru. It is located at an altitude of 3,490 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes. It is located on an ancient archaeological site.
Vilcashuamán was an Inca administrative center, established after the Incas conquered the
Chancas and the
Pocras. According to the Chronicler
Pedro Cieza de León, Vilcashuamán was home to 40,000 people.[1]: 235 The city was located around a large plaza where ceremonies involving sacrifices were performed, usually camelids or
libation of
corn wine. Around this plaza were the city's two most important buildings: the Sun Temple (Templo del Sol) and the
Ushnu which remain to this day. It is believed that the city had the shape of a falcon, in which the Ushnu was located in the head.
The Vilcashuamán Usnu seen form the East side with the entrance gate and the stairway
The Ushnu is a truncated pyramid which is accessed through a double doorjamb, characteristic of the most important compounds. In its upper platform is a large stone with unique carvings that is known as the Seat of the Inca (Asiento del Inca); this seat, according to Cieza de León, was once covered with gold leaf.[1]: 233
Climate
Climate data for Vilcashuamán, elevation 3,518 m (11,542 ft), (1991–2020)
Source: National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru[2]
References
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abCieza de León, Pedro (2005 [1553]). Crónica del Perú - El señorío de los Incas - edited by Franklin Pease G.Y. - Fundación Biblioteca Ayacucho - Caracas - Venezuela
ISBN980-276-395-0