Timeline

1532

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Nov16
Ancient Americas

Francisco Pizarro traps Incan emperor Atahualpa

On November 16, 1532, Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish explorer and conquistador, springs a trap on the Incan emperor, Atahualpa. With fewer than 200 men against several thousand, Pizarro lures Atahualpa to a feast in the emperor’s honor and then opens fire on the unarmed Incans. Pizarro’s men massacre the Incans and capture Atahualpa, forcing him to convert to Christianity before eventually killing him.

Cruel Conquistador

1533, The Inca ruler Atahualpa in supplication before the conquering Spaniard Francisco Pizarro (c.1478 - 1541), who had him murdered after receiving an enormous ransom for his return. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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