History of Peru
Timeline
Ancient Peru
Chavin culture
Wari culture
Inca Empire
Colonial Peru
The Conquerors
Viceroyalty of Peru
Republic of Peru
Independence
Peru-Bolivian Confederacy
War of the Pacific

In the 16th century, the Spaniards arrived in the Andean region of South America and over the course of only a few decades, succeeded in toppling the Inca empire, which had spanned most of the Andean region and surrounding lowlands from the south of modern-day Colombia to the north of Chile and Argentina. This article examines how the Conquistadors accomplished this task and describes the events of the twilight years of the Inca empire. Download high resolution version (1200x800, 19 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Chavín & Chavín influence The Chavín were an early civilization that existed in what is now the country of Peru. ... Middle Horizon The Huari (or Wari) was a Middle Horizon civilization that flourished in the southern Andes from about 500 to 1200 AD. The capital city is located near the modern city of Ayacucho, Peru. ... A view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, now an archaeological site. ... Created in 1542, the Viceroyalty of Peru (in Spanish, Virreinato del Perú) contained most of Spanish-ruled South America until the creation of the separate viceroyalties of New Granada (now Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá and Venezuela, the last-named previously in the Viceroyalty of New Spain) in 1717 and Río... Capital Tacna Created 1836 Dissolved 1839 Demonym Peru-bolivian The Peru-Bolvian Confederacy was a short-lived state that existed in South America between the years 1836 and 1839. ... The War of the Pacific was fought between Chile and the joint forces of Bolivia and Peru, from 1879 to 1884. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... A view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, now an archaeological site. ... Conquistador (meaning Conqueror in the Spanish language) is the term used to refer to the soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under Spanish rule between the 15th and 17th centuries. ...

Background

By the 16th century, the Inca empire had seen many years of strong leadership. Huayna Capac, the Inca in power when Europeans began to arrive in South America, was respected and admired throughout the empire. Huayna Capac (1493 - 1527) was an Inca emperor. ...

Both Huayna Capac and his designated heir died, most likely of smallpox. The ensuing war of succession between the Panakas (royal lines) weakened the Inca leadership and contributed to its speedy downfall. At the centre of the conflict were the two main contenders, Huascar and Atahualpa, who were both sons of Huayna Capac. Smallpox (also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera) is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. ... Alternate meaning: Huáscar (warship) Huascar, in full Inti Cusi Huallpa Huáscar (“Sun of Joy”) (died 1532). ... Atahualpa, the 13th and last inca emperor Atahualpa (also Ataw Wallpa) (c. ...

Huascar may have been named the new emperor, though no records remain to confirm that he was indeed the intended heir. Regarded as ugly, bad-mannered and half-mad, Huascar was known for his cruelty and came close to murdering his sister and mother. Nonetheless, he was well-liked in the southern regions of the empire. Atahualpa, on the other hand, was chosen to govern the northern territory known as the Kingdom of Quito, which was located in modern-day Ecuador and southern Colombia. Alternate meaning: Huáscar (warship) Huascar, in full Inti Cusi Huallpa Huáscar (“Sun of Joy”) (died 1532). ... Atahualpa, the 13th and last inca emperor Atahualpa (also Ataw Wallpa) (c. ... Quito is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. ...

After a few years of relative peace, war broke out between the two brothers. It is estimated that 100,000 people were killed in this bloodthirsty dispute known as the War of the Two Brothers. After many struggles, Atahualpa finally defeated Huascar. Atahualpa himself teetered towards insanity and treated the losers terribly. Many had stones dropped on their backs to cripple them, fetuses were ripped from wombs and bodies were stuck on spikes for display, and nearly 1,500 members of the royal family were cut up in front of Huascar, including his own children.

After sending Huascar to prison, Atahualpa took the throne. He paid a terrible price for his cruelty, as it had contributed to the weakening of the empire. It was at this critical moment in the empire's history that the Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro arrived and after three and long expeditions had already established the first Spanish settlement in northern Peru, calling it San Miguel de Piura on July of 1532. Pizarro sent his fellow conquistador, Hernando de Soto, to explore the land and soon returned with an envoy from the emperor Atahualpa, bringing presents and an invitation for a meeting with the Spanish. Conquistador (meaning Conqueror in the Spanish language) is the term used to refer to the soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under Spanish rule between the 15th and 17th centuries. ... Francisco Pizarro ( 1475–June 26, 1541) was a Spanish conquistador, conqueror of the Inca Empire and founder of the city of Lima. ... Piura: Plaza de Armas Piura is a city in northwestern Peru. ... Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto (born 1496 or 1500, Jerez de los Caballeros, Extremadura, and died 21 May 1542, probably on a branch of the Mississippi river near present-day Lake City, Arkansas) was a Spanish navigator and conquistador; de Soto participated in the conquest of Panama at the...

The Spanish conquest

Pizarro and his followers

After his victory over his brother, Atahualpa began his southward march from Quito to claim the Inca throne in Cusco. Atahualpa had been hearing tales of "white bearded men" approaching his territory. Some accounts say that Atahualpa sent messengers with presents to Pizarro and his men to incite them to leave, and others contend that it was Pizarro who sent a messenger to Atahualpa requesting a meeting. Most accounts agree, however, that Atahualpa met with Pizarro voluntarily. Pizarro in Lima This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... Pizarro in Lima This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... Francisco Pizarro ( 1475–June 26, 1541) was a Spanish conquistador, conqueror of the Inca Empire and founder of the city of Lima. ... Quito is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. ... Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru in the Huatanay Valley (Sacred Valley), of the Andes mountain range. ... Francisco Pizarro ( 1475–June 26, 1541) was a Spanish conquistador, conqueror of the Inca Empire and founder of the city of Lima. ...

Atahualpa and his forces met with the Spaniards at Cajamarca. Rather than meeting with Atahualpa himself, Pizarro sent Hernando de Soto, friar Vicente de Valverde and native interpreter Felipillo to speak with the Inca leader. Friar Valverde spoke with Atahualpa about the Spanish presence in his lands, introducing him to the precepts of the Catholic religion. In doing so, he offered Atahualpa a Bible in the expectation that he and his men would immediately convert Christianity or be considered an enemy of the Church and of Spain by the Spanish Crown. Aerial view of Cajamarca, with Santa Appollonia hill in foreground Cajamarca is located in the northern highlands of Peru, and is the capital of the Cajamarca region. ... Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto (born 1496 or 1500, Jerez de los Caballeros, Extremadura, and died 21 May 1542, probably on a branch of the Mississippi river near present-day Lake City, Arkansas) was a Spanish navigator and conquistador; de Soto participated in the conquest of Panama at the... Vicente de Valverde was a Spanish bishop. ... This article considers Catholicism in the broadest ecclesiastical sense. ... Parts of this article contradict each other. ... Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament writings of his early followers. ... The Spanish monarchy, referred to as the Crown of Spain (Corona de España) in the Spanish Constitution of 1978, is the office of the King or Queen of Spain. ...

The Inca-Spanish confrontation in the Battle of Cajamarca left thousands of natives dead

Atahualpa’s refusal to convert led to the bloody Battle of Cajamarca on November 16, 1532. Pizarro executed Atahualpa's 12 man honor guard and took the Inca captive at the so-called ransom room. The fact that a small number of Spanish troops were able to defeat the thousands of Inca warriors at Cajamarca is attributable to many factors, among them the Spanish horses and lances, their Toledo blades, steel armor and cannons, as well much better organization and training among the Spanish troops, the Spanish ability to improvise, a concerted use of combined arms tactics, and a consciousness of military tradition. Much the same factors contributed to the success of similar, small Spanish bands against the Aztecs and other American aboriginal peoples. Image File history File links Inca-Spanish confrontation in Cajamarca This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... Image File history File links Inca-Spanish confrontation in Cajamarca This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... The Battle of Cajamarca was a surprise attack on the Inca royal entourage orchestrated by Francisco Pizarro. ... The Battle of Cajamarca was a surprise attack on the Inca royal entourage orchestrated by Francisco Pizarro. ... November 16 is the 320th day of the year (321st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 45 days remaining. ... Events May 16 - Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor of England. ... The Ransom room from the outside El Cuarto del Rescate (The Ransom Room) is a small room located in Cajamarca, Peru. ... horse, see Horse (disambiguation). ... The term lance has become a catchall for a variety of different pole weapons based on the spear. ... // Steel is a metal alloy whose major component is iron, with carbon being the primary alloying material. ... Alternative meanings: vehicle armour, Armor (novel) A hoplite wearing a helmet, a breastplate and greaves (and nothing else). ... For other uses, see Cannon (disambiguation). ... Combined arms is an approach to warfare which seeks to integrate different arms of a military to achieve mutually complementary effects. ... The word Aztec is usually used as a historical term, although some contemporary Nahuatl speakers would consider themselves Aztecs. ...

During Atahualpa's captivity, the Spanish, although greatly outnumbered, forced him to order his generals to back down by threatening to kill him if he did not. In exchange for his release, Atahualpa offered to fill a large room with gold and promised the Spanish twice that amount in silver. While Pizarro ostensibly accepted the offer and allowed the gold to pile up, he had no intention of releasing the Inca; he needed Atahualpa's influence over his generals and the people in order to maintain the peace. The Ransom room from the outside El Cuarto del Rescate (The Ransom Room) is a small room located in Cajamarca, Peru. ... General Name, Symbol, Number silver, Ag, 47 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11, 5, d Appearance lustrous white metal Atomic mass 107. ...

Atahualpa feared that if Huascar came into contact with the Spanish, he would be so useful to them that Pizarro would no longer need Atahualpa and have him killed. To avoid this, Atahualpa ordered Huascar's execution, which took place not far from Cajamarca. Aerial view of Cajamarca, with Santa Appollonia hill in foreground Cajamarca is located in the northern highlands of Peru, and is the capital of the Cajamarca region. ...

In the end, this tactic was futile. Months passed, and as it became clear to Atahualpa that the Spanish did not intend to free him, he began to call on his generals to launch an attack on the Spanish. Still outnumbered and fearing an imminent attack from the Inca general Rumiñahui, the Spanish began to see Atahualpa as too much of a liability. He was charged with 12 crimes, the most grave being attempting to revolt against the Spanish, practicing idolatry and murdering his brother, Huascar. He was found guilty of all 12 charges and garroted on August 29, 1533. Rumiñahui (from Quechua rumi=rock, ñawi=eye) is a dormant heavily eroded volcano 4721 m height. ... Idolatry is a term used by many religions to describe the worship of a false deity, which is an affront to their understanding of divinity. ... August 29 is the 241st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (242nd in leap years), with 124 days remaining. ... Events January 25 - King Henry VIII of England marries Anne Boleyn, his second Queen consort. ...

Rebellion and reconquest

The situation went quickly downhill. As things began to fall apart, many parts of the Inca Empire revolted, some of them joining with the Spanish against their own rulers.

After Atahualpa's execution, Pizarro installed Atahualpa's brother, Tupac Huallpa, as a puppet Inca ruler, but he soon died unexpectedly, leaving Manco Inca Yupanqui in power. He began his rule as an ally of the Spanish and was respected in the southern regions of the empire, but there was still much unrest in the north near Quito where Atahualpa’s generals were amassing troops. Atahulapa's death meant that there was no hostage left to deter the these northern armies from attacking the invaders. Led by Atahualpa’s generals Rumiñahui, Zope-Zupahua and Quisquis, the native armies inflicted considerable damage on the Spanish. In then end, however, the Spanish succeeded in re-capturing Quito, effectively ending any organized rebellion in the north of the empire. Tupac Huallpa - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Manco Inca Yupanqui (b. ...

Manco Inca initially had good relations with Francisco Pizarro and several other Spanish conquistadors. However, in 1535 he was left in Cusco under the control of Pizarro’s cousins Juan and Gonzalo, who so mistreated Manco Inca that he ultimately rebelled. Under the pretense of performing religious ceremonies in the nearby Yucay valley, Manco was able to escape Cusco. Events January 18 - Lima, Peru founded by Francisco Pizarro April - Jacques Cartier discovers the Iroquois city of Stadacona, Canada (now Quebec) and in May, the even greater Huron city of Hochelaga (now Montreal) June 24 - The Anabaptist state of Münster (see Münster Rebellion) is conquered and disbanded. ...

Diego de Almagro, originally one of Francisco Pizarro's party, returned from his exploration of Chile, disappointed in not finding any wealth similar to that of Peru. King Charles V of Spain had awarded the city of Cusco to Pizarro, but Almagro attempted to claim the city nonetheless. Manco Inca hoped to use the disagreement between Almagro and Pizarro to his advantage and organized the recapture of Cusco in 1536. However, Inca revolts such as these were of a small-scale and short-lived, and the Incas leadership did not have the full support of all its subject peoples. Spanish reinforcements arrived and took the city once again. Diego de Almagro Diego de Almagro (b. ... Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain Charles V (Spanish: Carlos I, Dutch: Karel V, German: Karl V.) (24 February 1500–21 September 1558) was effectively (the first) King of Spain from 1516 to 1556 (in principle, he was from 1516 king of Aragon and from 1516 guardian... Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru in the Huatanay Valley (Sacred Valley), of the Andes mountain range. ... // Events February 2 - Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza founds Buenos Aires, Argentina. ...

Inca Túpac Amaru, the last Inca, murdered by the Spanish

After the Spanish regained control of Cusco, Manco Inca and his armies retreated to the fortress at Ollantaytambo. When it became clear that they were outnumbered and defeat was imminent, they retreated further to the mountainous region of Vilcabamba, where the Manco Inca continued to hold some power for several more decades. His son, Túpac Amaru, was the last Inca. After deadly confrontantions, he was murdered by the Spanish in 1572. Image File history File links Tupac Amaru This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... Image File history File links Tupac Amaru This work is presumed to be copyrighted, but its source has not been determined. ... This article refers to the Inca Túpac Amaru who died in 1572. ... For other meanings of Inca, see Inca (disambiguation). ... Categories: Archaeology stubs | Archaeological sites in Peru | History of Peru | Cities in Peru ... Last refuge of the Inca Empire, Vilcabamba was founded by Manco Inca in 1539 and fell to the Spaniards in 1572, signalling the end of Inca resistance to Spanish rule. ... This article refers to the Inca Túpac Amaru who died in 1572. ... Events January 16 - Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk is tried for treason for his part in the Ridolfi plot to restore Catholicism in England. ...

The Spaniards destroyed almost every Inca building in Cusco, built a Spanish city over the old foundations, and proceeded to colonize and exploit the former empire.

In total, the conquest took about forty years to complete. Many Inca attempts to regain the empire had occurred, but none had been successful.

For a discussion of Inca civilization, see Inca Empire.

A view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, now an archaeological site. ...

In fiction

The conquest of the Incas is dramatized in Peter Shaffer's play The Royal Hunt of the Sun. In the play, Pizarro, Atahualpa, Valverde and other historical figures appear as characters. Peter Shaffer (born May 15, 1926) is a British dramatist, author of numerous award-winning plays, several of which have been filmed. ...

See also

• History of Peru
• Inca Empire
• The Ransom Room
• Spanish colonization of the Americas

This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... A view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, now an archaeological site. ... The Ransom room from the outside El Cuarto del Rescate (The Ransom Room) is a small room located in Cajamarca, Peru. ... Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas began with the arrival in America of Christopher Columbus in 1492. ...

References

• Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming, 1970.