Saguamanchica

Saguamanchica (died Chocontá, 1490) was the second ruler (zipa) of Muyquytá, as of 1470. His zaque enemy ruling over the northern area of the Muisca territory was Michuá.

Alternative spellings of his name are Sacuan Machica, Saguanmachica and Saguanmanchica.

Biography As former cacique of Chía, Saguamanchica accessed the throne of the southern Muisca around 1470. His predecessor, the first zipa of Muyquytá Meicuchuca, left him a rich kingdom with many guecha warriors. This led Saguamanchica to seek expansion of his zipazgo.

The first campaign of warfare he planned was to submit the eternal enemies of the Muisca, the Panche and the Sutagao to the west of the Muisca territories. The Carib-speaking peoples formed an alliance against their common and far outnumbered enemy. Saguamanchica together with his vassal Pasca defeated his enemies led by general Uzatama with ease and annexed Fusagasugá and Tibacuy.

The times of war were continuing as Saguamanchica attacked the Panche, who had taken Zipacón and Tena, and the cacicazgo of Guatavita having conquered Chía and Cajicá upon the zipa.

Saguamanchica in Muisca history

Trivia

The moth species Cibyra saguanmachica, endemic to Colombia, is named after Saguamanchica