Ayarmaca

Incan people

Also known as: ’Ayarmaka

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Ayarmaca were an indigenous group in the Andes region of South America who were rivals of the Inca. Their history is intertwined with the Inca's expansion, with the Ayarmaca even holding the Inca emperor Yahuar Huacac captive for a time. This indicates that the Ayarmaca were a significant regional power before the Inca consolidated their empire. The Inca eventually conquered the Ayarmaca kingdom, which became a model for their subsequent campaigns. The Aymara, a distinct but related group, also inhabited the Altiplano and formed independent states before being conquered by the Inca.12

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pre-Columbian civilizations
The beginnings of external expansion
…of another group called the Ayarmaca (’Ayarmaka). When the promise was broken and Mama Mikay married Inca Roca, the Ayarmaca went to war with the Huayllaca and were defeating them. As a peace offering, the Huayllaca agreed to deliver Mama Mikay’s son to the Ayarmaca. This tale says a great…
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…of another group called the Ayarmaca (’Ayarmaka). When the promise was broken and Mama Mikay married Inca Roca, the Ayarmaca went to war with the Huayllaca and were defeating them. As a peace offering, the Huayllaca agreed to deliver Mama Mikay’s son to the Ayarmaca. This tale says a great…
Read More