A satisfactory afternoon's work for Spanish imperialism

1532 The Battle of Cajamarca

New World: Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro (c. 1475 - 1541) seized Incan emperor Atahualpa (pictured; c. 1502 - August 29, 1533) after victory at Cajamarca, Peru.

Pizarro had just 168 men and Atahualpa had 80,000 battle-hardened soldiers who had recently defeated an indigenous enemy. However, the Spaniards had iron swords, guns, horses and armour, which the Incas did not. The result: surely one of history's most incredible battles – although largely forgotten today – and it was all over in a single afternoon.

The Spaniards' losses? Nil. ...

Tagged: spanish, history, peru, imperialism, south+america