The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, also known as the Conquest of Peru, was one of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. After years of preliminary exploration and military skirmishes, 168 Spanish soldiers under conquistador Francisco Pizarro, along with his brothers in arms and their indigenous allies, captured the last Sapa Inca, Atahualpa, at the Battle of Cajamarca in 1532. It was the first step in a long campaign that took decades of fighting but ended in Spanish victory in 1572 and colonization of the region as the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Quito, Ecuador, founded by Spanish colonists on the ruins of an Inca city
The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, also known as the Conquest of Peru, was one of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Historical Significance
The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, also known as the Conquest of Peru, was one of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Events Before
England's King Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn, his 2nd wife
Anne Boleyn (1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, as the second wife of King Henry VIII.
King Henry VIII of England & Catherine of Aragon's marriage declared null & void by authority English clergy not the Pop
King Henry VIII of England & Catherine of Aragon's marriage declared null & void by authority English clergy not the Pope
The Archbishop of Canterbury voids the marriage of King Henry VIII of England and Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn (1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, as the second wife of King Henry VIII.
Pope Clement VII excommunicates England's King Henry VIII
Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547.
Francisco Pizarro orders the death of the last Sapa Inca Emperor, Atahualpa
The Inca Empire, officially known as the Realm of the Four Parts, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.
Events After
King Henry VIII declares himself head of the Church of England
Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547.
Twelve nude Anabaptists run through the streets of Amsterdam
Twelve nude Anabaptists run through the streets of Amsterdam
Spanish Bishop of Panama Tomés de Berlanga discovers the uninhabited Galapagos Islands after his ship drifts off course
Spanish Bishop of Panama Tomés de Berlanga discovers the uninhabited Galapagos Islands after his ship drifts off course
Bloemkamp Abbey (Oldeklooster) attacked & destroyed in Friesland
Bloemkamp Abbey (Oldeklooster) attacked & destroyed in Friesland
Anabaptist commune of Münster captured and its leaders tortured and killed
Anabaptist commune of Münster captured and its leaders tortured and killed
More from the 1530s
King Henry VIII declares himself head of the Church of England
Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547.
England's King Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn, his 2nd wife
Anne Boleyn (1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, as the second wife of King Henry VIII.
Lisbon hit by Earthquake; about 30,000 die
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake, hit the Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa on the morning of Saturday, 1 November, Feast of All Saints, at around 09:40…
English King Henry VIII's divorce request is denied by Pope Clement VII
English King Henry VIII's divorce request is denied by Pope Clement VII
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 6, 1534?
- The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, also known as the Conquest of Peru, was one of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. After years of preliminary exploration and military skirmishes, 168 Spanish soldiers under conquistador Francisco Pizarro, along with his brothers in arms and their indigenous allies, captured the last Sapa Inca, Atahualpa, at the Battle of Cajamarca in 1532. It was the first step in a long campaign that took decades of fighting but ended in Spanish victory in 1572 and colonization of the region as the Viceroyalty of Peru.
- Why is Quito, Ecuador, founded by Spanish colonists on the ruins of an Inca city significant?
- The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, also known as the Conquest of Peru, was one of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.