Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish Conquistador, known for his conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru.

In 1531, Francisco Pizarro and his companion, Diego de Almagro, set out to conquer the Incas.

The Incas controlled a vast empire, but suffered from internal disputes. There were rival claims for the throne. By the time Pizarro, along with 180 men and 27 horses, reached northern Peru, one of the claimants, Atahualpa had defeated Huascar, his enemy.

Atahualpa was lured to the town of Cajamarca. There, Pizarro and his men seized him and murdered hundreds of his attendants.

Atahualpa promised to fill a 22 foot by 12 foot room with gold and silver and give it to Cortes in return for his life.

Pizarro agreed, and the room was filled with gold and silver objects from around the Inca Empire.

Once the room was filled - this took about two months - Pizarro had Atahualpa executed.

Later on, Pizarro had Diego de Almagro assassinated.

In 1541, Pizarro was killed by rivals.