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AtahualpaThe last ruler of the Inca Empire
Date of Birth: 01.01.1500
Country:  Peru |
Content:
- Atahualpa: The Last Inca Emperor
- Civil War and Victory
- Spanish Arrival and Internal Weakness
- Misjudged Hospitality and Capture
- Ransom of Gold and Silver
- Execution and Spanish Treachery
Atahualpa: The Last Inca Emperor
Birth and InheritanceAtahualpa was born between 1497 and 1500 as the son of Inca ruler Huayna Capac. Before his death, Huayna Capac divided the empire between his two sons: the elder Huáscar and Atahualpa, for whom he had a particular affection.
Civil War and Victory
This decision sparked a civil war for the throne, which culminated in Atahualpa's victory. In 1532, he captured Huáscar and became the sole ruler of the Incas. However, the era of independent "Children of the Sun," as the Inca elite were known, was nearing its end.
Spanish Arrival and Internal Weakness
The same year, Spanish conquistadors landed on the coast of Peru. Meanwhile, within the empire, conquered tribes grew restless and epidemics swept through. Atahualpa's state was weakened, but the Incas might have weathered the storm had it not been for the conquerors.
Misjudged Hospitality and Capture
Initially, Atahualpa underestimated the newcomers and received the conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro amicably. This proved to be a grave error: Pizarro used the opportunity to slaughter the unarmed Incas and capture Atahualpa in the infamous Battle of Cajamarca.
Ransom of Gold and Silver
Atahualpa offered a ransom to the Spaniards, which Pizarro deceitfully agreed to accept. Atahualpa promised to fill the room where he was chained with gold up to the ceiling. Stunned, Pizarro hesitated. Atahualpa, mistaking this as uncertainty, offered to fill an adjacent room with silver too! Pizarro regained his composure and stated that the second room was too small. Atahualpa agreed to fill it twice over...
Execution and Spanish Treachery
Within three months, the ransom was gathered. Gold and silver were brought from as far away as Cusco, despite a law forbidding it. For 34 days, the Spaniards melted down the treasures into ingots.
However, Pizarro had no intention of releasing Atahualpa. In 1533, the Spaniards held a trial, accusing him of killing Huáscar. He was sentenced to death by burning at the stake. After being baptized into Catholicism, Atahualpa received a "mercy" from the Spaniards: he was strangled with a garrote on August 29, 1533.
