Vilcashuamán

{{short description|Archaeological site in Peru}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Vilcashuamán

| native_name = Willka Waman (Quechua)

| settlement_type = Town

| image_skyline = Ayacucho54719.jpg

| image_alt =

| image_caption = Vilcashuamán Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun

| pushpin_map = Peru

| coordinates = {{coord|-13.65311|-73.95396|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = Peru

| subdivision_type1 = Region

| subdivision_name1 = Ayacucho

| subdivision_type2 = Province

| subdivision_name2 = Vilcas Huamán

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| unit_pref = Metric

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| elevation_m = 3,490

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| population_density_km2 = auto

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Vilcashuamán or Vilcasguaman (from Quechua Willka 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.Cieza de León, Pedro (2005 [1553]). Crónica del Perú - El señorío de los Incas - edited by Franklin Pease G.Y. - Fundación Biblioteca Ayacucho - Caracas - Venezuela {{ISBN| 980-276-395-0}}{{Rp|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.

File:Vilcashuamán 02 - Ayacucho - Perú.jpg

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.{{Rp|233}}