Pizarro's conquest of Peru

Pizarro's conquest of Peru

The Spaniards in Panama City, of which Pizarro was one of the wealthiest and most powerful, became interested in reports of a rich Indian empire somewhere to the south. In 1524, Pizarro began the first of several expeditions to search for this empire. He was helped by another Spaniard, Diego de Almagro, who served chiefly as business manager of the expeditions. Pizarro led the explorations down the Pacific coast. At first, bad weather and Indian attacks prevented the voyagers from finding the empire, which was centered in what is now Peru. Pizarro finally reached his goal in late 1527 or early 1528.

Pizarro saw much evidence of gold and other riches in Peru. He soon returned to Spain, and King Charles I appointed him governor of Peru. In 1531, Pizarro sailed from Panama City with about 180 men. They landed in what is now Ecuador. In 1532, they founded San Miguel (now Piura) in northern Peru. Pizarro founded Lima in 1535.

Pizarro next advanced to Cajamarca, where the Inca ruler Atahualpa had gathered his forces. In a surprise attack with swords, horses, and a few guns, Pizarro's men captured Atahualpa and killed thousands of Incas. The Spaniards promised to spare Atahualpa's life in return for vast riches. The Incas were able to agree to the ransom because Peru had more silver and gold than any other part of the Americas. But in 1533, after receiving a large treasure, the Spaniards executed Atahualpa. Pizarro then advanced southward to Cusco, the Inca mountain capital. The conquerors took control of the city later in 1533.

Excerpt adapted from the "Pizarro, Francisco," article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999