Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who is best known for his conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. He was born in Trujillo, Spain in 1475 and was the illegitimate son of a Spanish soldier and a woman of humble origins. He was raised in poverty and had little formal education.

Pizarro first became involved in exploration and conquest when he joined the expedition of Alonso de Ojeda to the New World in 1509. He then joined the expedition of Diego de Nicuesa to Panama in 1510. During this expedition, Pizarro was able to gain valuable experience in the art of conquest and exploration.

In 1513, Pizarro joined the expedition of Vasco Núñez de Balboa to the Pacific Ocean. During this expedition, Pizarro was able to gain valuable knowledge of the region and its inhabitants. He also gained valuable experience in the art of warfare and conquest.

In 1524, Pizarro and his brothers, Hernando and Gonzalo, formed an expedition to explore and conquer the Inca Empire. The expedition was funded by the Spanish Crown and was led by Pizarro. The expedition was successful and Pizarro was able to capture the Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, in 1532.

Pizarro then established the city of Lima in 1535 and declared it the capital of the newly conquered Inca Empire. He also established a Spanish colonial government in the region and began to spread Christianity among the native population.

Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire was not without controversy. Many of the native people were killed or enslaved during the conquest and Pizarro was accused of cruelty and brutality. He was also accused of exploiting the native population for his own gain.

Despite the controversy surrounding his conquest, Pizarro was able to establish a strong Spanish presence in the region and was able to bring about a period of peace and stability. He also established a strong economy in the region and was able to bring about a period of prosperity.

Pizarro died in 1541 at the age of 66. He was buried in Lima and his remains were later moved to the Cathedral of Lima. He is remembered as one of the most successful conquistadors in history and his legacy lives on in the region he conquered.