Battle of Ayacucho
Quinua, Huamanga, Peru
What happened
General Antonio José de Sucre led the Patriot army against the Spanish royalist army of Viceroy José de la Serna and General José de Canterac. By 1824 the royalists still held most of southern Peru, but trouble in Spain meant no new Spanish soldiers were coming. The two armies met on the Pampa de Quinua, a high plain near Ayacucho. The royalists charged downhill onto open ground, the Patriot divisions and cavalry counterattacked, and the viceroy was wounded and captured.
Why it matters
Result: Patriot Forces victory Capitulation of the Royal Army of Peru under command of Viceroy la Serna (siege of the bastions of Chiloé and Callao are extended until 1826). Leaders: Antonio de Sucre / Agustín Gamarra against José la Serna / José de Canterac. Why it matters: The royalists surrendered, securing Peru's independence. In Peru, Ayacucho is remembered as the end of the Spanish American wars of independence.
What came next
Sucre continued through 1825 in Upper Peru. The sieges of Callao and Chiloé ended in 1826.
Did you know?
Canterac signed the final capitulation of the royalist army.
Timeline
- 9 December 1824Sucre defeats the royalists at Ayacucho.
- 1825Sucre campaigns in Upper Peru.
- 1826The sieges of Callao and Chiloé end.