The Ambitious Conquistador
Francisco Pizarro González (c. 1471/1476 – 26 June 1541) was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that brought about the fall of the Inca Empire and canned the Spanish conquest of Peru. Born in Trujillo, Spain, Pizarro was an illegitimate son of a Spanish hidalgo and was largely self-educated. He participated in the expedition of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, where he discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513.
Driven by tales of a wealthy empire to the south, Pizarro formed an alliance with Diego de Almagro and Hernando de Luque. Despite numerous setbacks and royal disapproval, he secured funding and launched his final expedition in 1532. His arrival coincided with a civil war within the Inca Empire between the half-brothers Huáscar and Atahualpa, which he skillfully exploited.
Key Events and Achievements:
1513: Discovery of the Pacific Ocean
Participated in Balboa's expedition, crossing the Isthmus of Panama.
1524-1528: First and Second Expeditions
Explored the northern coasts of South America, gathering intelligence about the Inca.
1532: Arrival in Peru and Capture of Atahualpa
Landed at Tumbes and marched inland, famously capturing the Inca emperor Atahualpa at Cajamarca.
1533: Execution of Atahualpa and Fall of Cusco
Despite a massive ransom, Pizarro had Atahualpa executed. He then marched on and captured the Inca capital, Cusco.
1535: Founding of Lima
Established the city of Lima (La Ciudad de los Reyes) as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
1541: Assassination
Killed by followers of his former partner, Diego de Almagro, during a period of internal conflict.