The incredible true story of how a few hundred Spanish Conquistadors invaded and conquered the millions-strong Inca Empire of South America, a tale so incredible that if it had not actually happened, might well be considered an unbelievable work of fiction.
Led by Francisco Pizarro-who was already over 50 years of age at the start of his adventures-the Conquistadors, who never numbered more than 500 men, along with native allies and confederates, used a combination of weapons, horses, and superior military tactics to overcome Inca armies which were at least tens of thousands strong.
Using a gripping narrative style, this book tells of the failed first attempts to invade the Inca empire, the seizure of the Incan emperor Atahulpa, the infamous "gold ransom" and the Emperor's execution. The final battles around the city of Cuzco then followed, which ensconced the Spanish conquerors in what became the country of Peru.
Pizarro's tale did not however end there: in keeping with the Conquistadors' brutal behavior, the conquerors then fell out with one another, and almost all of the original expedition's leaders-Pizarro included-were murdered by other Spaniards.
This work remains one of the finest retellings of the incredible adventures of the most famous Conquistador in South America. This new edition has been completely reset, contains all the original illustrations, and a new index.
Contents
Authorities on Francisco Pizarro
I: In the Land of Poisoned Arrows
II: With Balboa in Darien
III: Sailing the Unknown Sea
IV: The Desperate Adventurer
V: Success in Sight at Last
VI: An Appeal to the Crown
VII: On the Peruvian Frontier
VIII: A Glance at the Peruvians
IX: A March to the Mountains
X: In the Inca's Stronghold
XI: How Atahuallpa was Captured
XII: The Prisoner and his Ransom
XIII: The Inca and his Murderers
XIV: In the Heart of Peru
XV: In the City of the Sun
XVI: Quarrels of the Conquerors
XVII: The Inca Raises His Standard
XVIII: The Downfall of Almagro
XIX: How Pizarro was Assassinated
Index