Exploration

Francisco Pizarro

izzaro was a Spanish conquistador of Peru, well known for his bravery, brutality, conscienceless, adventurousness, and military leadership ability. He was born in 1476 in Trujillo, France and travelled to America at the age of 34 in 1510. There he was part of numerous exploratory missions, including one led by Vasco de Balboa (and which led to Spain's claim in 1513 on the Pacific Ocean).

Pizarro settled in Panama in 1519, and in 1524 he went into partnership with Diego de Almagro, a Spanish soldier and explorer. They planned an expedition to conquer the area south of Panama, and the two expeditions were firstly from 1524 to 1525 and later from 1526 to 1528. Here Pizarro discovered the Inca Empire upon his investigation of South America's West Coast. Pizarro and Balboa agreed to co-operate in conquering Peru. In 1528 Pizarro went to Spain to seek Royal Aid and a military force for the operation. In 1529 Charles the fifth, Holy Roman Emperor (also known as Charles the first of Spain) bestowed upon him the permission to annex and rule Peru. In 1530 Pizarro returned to Panama where he recruited further military force before setting off in 1531 for Peru, landing there with his force of 180 men in 1532. Once the empire was conquered, their Emperor Atahualpa was executed. Although the native capital was Cuzco, Pizarro established Lima as the new capital.

Due to his lust for riches, Pizarro had almost all the Inca's valuables melted down, destroying a vast amount of ancient metalwork.

Conflict ensued regarding the ruler-ship of Peru, causing a civil war in 1537 in which Pizarro's forces defeated Almagro's in 1538. Almagro was executed, and Pizarro was assassinated in 1541 by some of Almagro's followers. Pizarro bestowed upon Europe the gift of great conquests and discoveries.