Francisco Pizarro Route

Francisco Pizarro's Conquests: Establishing Spain's Dominance in the New World

The Rise of a Conquistador

Francisco Pizarro, born in 1478 in Trujillo, Spain, rose to fame as a formidable conquistador responsible for conquering the mighty Inca Empire. His expeditions to South America, commencing in 1523, forever altered the landscape of the New World.

Conquest of the Inca Empire

With a small band of followers, Pizarro skillfully exploited the internal conflicts within the Inca Empire. In 1532, he captured the Inca ruler, Atahuapla, executing him the following year. This decisive victory paved the way for Spain's conquest of the vast Inca territory.

Foundation of Lima and Spanish Dominance

After conquering the Inca Empire, Pizarro established the city of Lima, Peru, in 1535. Lima became the administrative center of Spain's colonial rule in South America. Pizarro's conquests ultimately secured Spain's grip on the New World, laying the foundation for centuries of Spanish influence.

Legacy and Impact

Francisco Pizarro's expeditions had a profound impact on the history of the Americas. His conquests brought immense wealth and territory to Spain, shaping the political and economic landscape of the region. However, the conquest also brought bloodshed and disease, devastating the indigenous populations of the New World.

Pizarro's legacy as a conquistador remains controversial, as his actions both expanded Spain's empire and resulted in the subjugation of indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, his conquests stand as a testament to the boldness and ruthlessness that characterized the European conquest of the Americas.