Pizarro Conquers the Incas

 

Pizarro Conquers the Incas

A civil war began in the Inca Empire around 1530. After the Inca ruler died his two sons, Atahualpa (ah-tah-WAHL-pah) and Huascar (WAHS-kahr), fought to become the new ruler. Atahualpa won the war, but fierce fighting had weakened the Inca army. 

The Capture of the King

 On his way to be crowned, Atahualpa got news that a group of Spaniards had come to Peru. They were conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. Stories about the Spaniards amazed Atahualpa. One Inca reported: 11 They and their horses were supposed to nourish [feed] themselves on gold and silver ... All day and all night the Spaniards talked to their books and papers ... They were all dressed alike and talked together like brothers and ate at the same table."

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