Awkimarka, Archaeological site in Andahuaylas Province, Peru
Awkimarka is an archaeological site sprawling across a mountain summit in the Apurímac Region at an elevation of around 4,000 meters. The structures spread over this exposed peak positioned between the districts of Pomacocha and Tumay Huaraca.
The site served as a major center for the Chanca Confederation during the pre-Columbian era, before the Inca Empire expanded in the region. It records the power structures that existed in the Andes prior to Inca dominance.
The name comes from Quechua, combining awki, which refers to a legendary princely figure, with marka, the word for village or settlement.
The site sits at high elevation with harsh terrain that requires good physical fitness and proper equipment for a visit. It is wise to arrange a knowledgeable local guide beforehand and prepare yourself for mountain conditions.
The settlement sits precisely on the border between two districts, providing insight into the complex territorial organization of pre-Hispanic societies. This positioning at a boundary zone may have been a deliberate strategic feature of Chanca power relations.
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