Francisco Pizarro Steckbrief

Francisco Pizarro: Conqueror of the Inca Empire and Founder of Lima

Early Life and Career

Francisco Pizarro was born in Trujillo, Spain, in 1478. As a young man, he joined the Spanish army and served in Italy and the New World. In 1524, he joined the expedition of Diego de Almagro to explore the coast of Peru.

Conquest of the Inca Empire

In 1532, Pizarro led an expedition of 180 men to conquer the Inca Empire. The Inca Empire was the largest and most powerful empire in the Americas at the time. Pizarro's expedition marched through the Andes Mountains and reached the Inca capital of Cuzco in 1533. The Inca Empire was ruled by Emperor Atahualpa. Pizarro captured Atahualpa in a battle at Cajamarca. Pizarro demanded a ransom for Atahualpa's release, but the Inca were unable to pay it. Pizarro executed Atahualpa in 1533. After the execution of Atahualpa, Pizarro's expedition conquered the rest of the Inca Empire. Pizarro founded the city of Lima in 1535 and became the first governor of Peru.

Death and Legacy

Francisco Pizarro was assassinated in Lima in 1541 by a group of rebellious conquistadors. He was a controversial figure, but he played a major role in the conquest and colonization of the Americas. Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire had a profound impact on the history of the Americas. The Inca Empire was a wealthy and sophisticated society, and its destruction by the Spanish was a major tragedy. The Spanish conquest also led to the introduction of European diseases, which killed millions of Native Americans. Pizarro's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a ruthless conqueror, but he also founded the city of Lima, which is now one of the largest and most important cities in South America.