(1476?–1541), Spanish explorer and conqueror of Peru, noted for his audacity, courage, cruelty, and unscrupulousness and for his abilities as a military and civil leader.

Pizarro was born in Trujillo. He came to America in 1510 and took part in a number of exploratory expeditions, including that of Vasco de Balboa, which resulted in Spain's claim to the Pacific Ocean in 1513. In 1519 Pizarro settled in Panama. Five years later he became a partner of the Spanish soldier and explorer Diego de Almagro and others in a project to explore and conquer territory to the south of Panama. In two expeditions (1524–25, 1526–28), Pizarro explored the west coast of South America and learned of the existence of the Inca Empire of Peru. In 1526 the partners contracted to cooperate in the conquest of Peru, and in 1528 Pizarro went to Spain to enlist royal aid for the venture. The following year Charles I, king of Spain, better known as Charles V, Holy Roman emperor, granted Pizarro the authority to conquer and rule Peru. Pizarro raised a military force in Spain and in 1530 sailed to Panama, where he enlisted additional recruits. In 1531, with about 180 men, Pizarro sailed for Peru, landing there in 1532. He conquered the Inca Empire, executed Emperor Atahualpa, and in 1535 founded the city of Lima as the capital of Peru in place of the native capital Cuzco.

After his conquest of Peru, conflicts over territorial jurisdiction developed, and in 1537 civil war broke out between Pizarro and Almagro. Pizarro's followers defeated those of Almagro in 1538, and Almagro was put to death. In 1541 a group still loyal to Almagro assassinated Pizarro.