HOME | DD

Description
The Battle of Chocontá (nowadays, in the department of Cundinamarca, central Colombia) happened in the late 15th Century, ca. 1490, and was the last major battle fought in a series of conflicts between the two main chiefdoms of the pre-Hispanic Muysca civilization, just a few decades before the arrival of the first Spanish in the Muysca territory.

Chocontá means "farmlands / garden of the neighbour" in Muysccubun, or Chibcha, the language of the Muysca.

The battle of Chocontá was fought by the many Güechá warriors brought by Saguamanchica, Zipa (local ruler) of Muyquytá, a chiefdom which main settlement was Bacatá - that gives name to Bogotá, the current capital of Colombia. The Güechá warriors, native to the valleys of Tenza & Ubaqaque and the Cundiboyacá plateau, were chosen by their physique & attitude rather than class, and were recognized by their status on society through their adornments with gold and feathers. Güechá either means "man of the house", "man of the people" or "man who causes death".

For roughly 20 years following his predecessor Meicuchuca, Saguamanchica expanded the power and influence of Muyquytá, before dying in the battle of Chocontá - alongside his rival, Michuá, Zaque (local ruler) of Hunza (nowadays Tunja - back then, seat of power to the northern groups of the Muysca). Michuá was supported by the chief of Guatavita, then an influent town known for its temple dedicated to the sun god Sué. Previously, the zipa were initiated in the lake Guatavita, but Saguamanchica upset the local chief, who chose to support Michuá instead. According to later sources, the battle lasted for 3 hours and both leaders died. Saguamanchica would be succeeded by Nemequene and Michuá by Quemuenchatocha. History shows us war knows no victors, only suffering.

The animated version of this illustration is available as a NFT in the Tezos blockchain, you can purchase 1 edition (out of 7 now available) in the primary market for 1.7 Tezos (around 5 US dollars right now) on the OBJKT marketplace.

Follow me on social media for +!

Description
The Battle of Chocontá (nowadays, in the department of Cundinamarca, central Colombia) happened in the late 15th Century, ca. 1490, and was the last major battle fought in a series of conflicts between the two main chiefdoms of the pre-Hispanic Muysca civilization, just a few decades before the arrival of the first Spanish in the Muysca territory.

Chocontá means "farmlands / garden of the neighbour" in Muysccubun, or Chibcha, the language of the Muysca.

The battle of Chocontá was fought by the many Güechá warriors brought by Saguamanchica, Zipa (local ruler) of Muyquytá, a chiefdom which main settlement was Bacatá - that gives name to Bogotá, the current capital of Colombia. The Güechá warriors, native to the valleys of Tenza & Ubaqaque and the Cundiboyacá plateau, were chosen by their physique & attitude rather than class, and were recognized by their status on society through their adornments with gold and feathers. Güechá either means "man of the house", "man of the people" or "man who causes death".

For roughly 20 years following his predecessor Meicuchuca, Saguamanchica expanded the power and influence of Muyquytá, before dying in the battle of Chocontá - alongside his rival, Michuá, Zaque (local ruler) of Hunza (nowadays Tunja - back then, seat of power to the northern groups of the Muysca). Michuá was supported by the chief of Guatavita, then an influent town known for its temple dedicated to the sun god Sué. Previously, the zipa were initiated in the lake Guatavita, but Saguamanchica upset the local chief, who chose to support Michuá instead. According to later sources, the battle lasted for 3 hours and both leaders died. Saguamanchica would be succeeded by Nemequene and Michuá by Quemuenchatocha. History shows us war knows no victors, only suffering.

The animated version of this illustration is available as a NFT in the Tezos blockchain, you can purchase 1 edition (out of 7 now available) in the primary market for 1.7 Tezos (around 5 US dollars right now) on the OBJKT marketplace.

Follow me on social media for +!