Conqueror of the Inca Empire: Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro (c. 1478–1541), Spanish conquistador, led the expedition that toppled the Inca Empire (1532–1533).

Key Events

• 1524–28: Two failed reconnaissance voyages (Panama coast)
• 1529: Capitulación de Toledo — Charles V grants governorship of "New Castile"
• 1531: Third expedition: 180 men, 37 horses, Tumbez landing
• Nov 1532: Cajamarca ambush — captures Atahualpa (Inca emperor) after massacre
• 1533: Atahualpa executed (ransom paid: room of gold, two of silver); Cuzco occupied
• 1535: Founds Ciudad de los Reyes (Lima) as capital
• 1541: Assassinated in Lima by Diego de Almagro II faction

Conquest Mechanics

• Civil war exploitation: Atahualpa vs. Huáscar (1529–32) weakened Inca unity
• Disease: Smallpox (1520s) killed Huayna Capac + ~50% population
• Technology: Steel, horses, firearms, armor vs. bronze, cloth, slings
• Native allies: Cañari, Chachapoya, Huanca — anti-Inca groups

Aftermath

• Viceroyalty of Peru (1542) — South American Spanish rule
• Encomienda → repartimiento → hacienda systems
• Neo-Inca State (Vilcabamba) resisted until 1572 (Túpac Amaru executed)
• Demographic collapse: 12M→1.5M (1520–1620)

Legacy

Pizarro: ruthless architect of Andean colonization. Tomb in Lima Cathedral. Controversial—honored in Spain, condemned in Peru.