Battle of Ayohuma
Ayohuma, Potosí, Bolivia
What happened
The Army of the North under General Manuel Belgrano fought the royalist Army of Peru under Joaquín de la Pezuela. Six weeks after defeating Belgrano at Vilcapugio, Pezuela's royalists came down from the mountains and crossed hidden hills to outflank him. Belgrano's troops could not overcome the rough ground and the stronger royalist artillery. After seven hours, the patriots were defeated and lost almost all their guns.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended Belgrano's second campaign into Upper Peru. The patriots had to abandon Potosí.
What came next
Belgrano handed command of the Army of the North to José de San Martín in January 1814.
Did you know?
María Remedios del Valle and her two daughters carried water to the soldiers and helped the wounded under fire; Argentina remembers them as the 'Niñas de Ayohuma'.
Timeline
- 1 October 1813The royalists win at Vilcapugio.
- 14 November 1813The royalists win at Ayohuma.
- 18 November 1813Potosí is evacuated.
- 30 January 1814Belgrano hands command to San Martín.