The Fall of the Inca

The Incan Empire

1533-The Incan Empire is

the largest in the world.

Have a sophisticated road

system that links vast
territory together.

Major cities such as

Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

Ruled over millions of

people.
 Introduction of Disease

From 1496-1526 various

Spanish explorers make
contact with tribes in South
America.

Introduce diseases to the

populace.
Smallpox
Influenza
Typhus

Diseases kill between

50-90% of population by
the 1530s.
Civil War

1527 Emperor Sapa Capac

and his eldest son (heir) die
of small pox.

2 sons fight for throne:

Huascar
Atahualpa

War lasts 5 years and kills a

lot of Inca warriors.

Atahualpa kills his brother

and takes over the throne.

Empire is severely weakened

by disease and civil war.
 Here Come the Spanish

Francisco Pizarro hears

tales of a golden city south
of Panama.

1526-1529 he conducts a
series of exploratory
journeys to the
northernmost part of Inca
territory and makes contact
with Inca villages.

1529- Receives blessing of

Spanish to go conquer Inca
Empire.
Here Come the Spanish

1532 Pizarro returns to

South America with
approx. 180 men.
110 soldiers
67 cavalry

Pizarro shocked by cities

that have been emptied due
to disease.

Marches to city of
Cajamarca where he meets
with Atahualpa.
 What Happens Next

Pizarros priest, Valverde, gives Atahualpa a Bible.

Tells him it is the holy word of God.
Asks him to swear loyalty to the Pope and the King of Spain.

Atahualpa responds that the book does not speak to me and

throws it on the ground.

Atahualpa is attacked by the Spanish & captured.

Atahualpa promises the Spanish 2 rooms filled with gold and
silver to secure his release.
Spanish receive the treasure
August 29, 1533 he is executed.
Final Struggles

After death of Atahualpa

Spanish appoint new puppet
emperor-Manco Inca.

He rebels in 1536 but is

defeated and driven from
Cuzco.

Sets up rebel government in

the mountains that lasts for
36 years.

Eventually destroyed by the

Spanish, when they executed
all the members of Manco
Incas family.