Francisco Pizarro

Conqueror of the Incas
Francisco Pizarro was one of the greatest Spanish explorers and conquistadors. He destroyed the powerful Incan empire. Even though he was cruel, he was successful in gaining the riches from the Inca and governing the colony of Peru. Unfortunately, his deeds came back to him, and led to his murder by the family of his old friend Diego de Almagro. Still, his impact on history, and his skill are always remembered.

Early Life
Pizarro was born around 1475 in Trujillo, Spain. As a boy, he had no schooling and lived with his mother, but was in contact with his father's family. He serverd as a soldier for land owners, and in 1502, he sailed to Hispaniola with Nicolas de Ovando. Ovando would be the new governer of the island. In 1510, Pizarro joined the crew of Alonso de Ojeda, who was sailing to explore the Gulf of Uraba. Ojeda tested Pizarro, and left him in charge of the settlement when he left for supplies. Later, Pizarro was given the rank of captain, and was second-in-command to Vasco Nunez de Balboa when they traveled to the Pacific Ocean. Pizarro was one of the first Europeans to the ocean, then named the South Sea. On this trip, Pizarro heard of the rich empire of the Incans.

Destroying the Incan Empire
to conquer Peru, Pizarro partenered with Diego de Almagro and Hernando de Luque, a priest. They went to the governer of Panama, Pedrarias. He allowed them to go, and Luque provided the money they would need. On the first voyage there were many problems, and they had to turn back. On his second trip he found evidence to prove that the Incans were a rich and powerful people. Then he could be given more power and allowed to conquer them. In 1528, the king named Pizarro captain general of New Castille to conquer the territory. Pizarro then went to Peru and  wanted to speak with the Incan emperor, Athualpa. When he did, a battle happened and many Incans were killed and Athualpa was imprisoned. In August 1533, the Spanish killed the emperor. The Incan army then moved away and the Spanish marched to the capital, Cuzco. When there was no resistance, it was realized that the empire had been conquered.

Death
After tension with Pizarro, Diego de Almagro tried to take over Lima, the capital of the colony of Peru, but was killed by Hernando Pizarro, Francisco's brother. In 1541, Almagro's angry supporters killed Pizarro after invading his home.

Works Cited: Blue, Rose and Nade, Corine J. Exploring South America. Chicago, Illinois.: Raintree, 2004 pgs. 32-41

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