Francisco Pizarro
~1478–1541 · Spanish · Spanish Conquest of the Americas
Known for: Conquered the Inca Empire with fewer than 200 men—one of history's most audacious military feats
Francisco Pizarro was an illiterate Spanish conquistador who overthrew the Inca Empire with approximately 168 men, capturing Emperor Atahualpa through a combination of audacity, treachery, and the psychological shock of horses and firearms. He exploited an Inca civil war to devastating effect.
Born into extreme poverty as the illegitimate son of a soldier, Pizarro rose through sheer ruthlessness and courage. He founded Lima and established Spanish rule over South America, but was assassinated by the supporters of a rival conquistador. He died drawing a cross in his own blood on the floor.
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