The Battle of Cajamarca and Atahuallpa's Capture

Key Insight

The collision of advanced Old World and New World societies began abruptly in A.D. 1492, culminating in the most dramatic moment on November 16, 1532, at Cajamarca, Peru. Francisco Pizarro, leading 168 Spanish soldiers, encountered the Inca emperor Atahuallpa, absolute monarch of the largest New World state, surrounded by his 80000-strong army. Despite being deep in unfamiliar territory, out of touch with reinforcements, and vastly outnumbered, Pizarro strategically concealed his troops around Cajamarca's square, preparing an ambush. Atahuallpa approached with a grand procession including 2000 road-sweepers, three dancing and singing squadrons, and men bearing gold and silver, carried on a litter by 80 richly dressed lords.

A friar, Vicente de Valverde, confronted Atahuallpa, demanding submission to God and the King of Spain, presenting him with a closed Bible. Atahuallpa, unable to open the book, angrily struck the friar's arm and then threw the book 5 or 6 paces away, his face crimson. The friar returned to Pizarro, declaring Atahuallpa an 'enemy dog' for rejecting God's things and urging an immediate attack. Pizarro then gave the signal: guns fired, trumpets blared, and Spanish cavalry, fitted with rattles to terrify, burst from their hiding places into the mass of unarmed Indians crowding the square, shouting 'Santiago!'

The Spanish assault caused panicked confusion among the Indians, who, being unarmed, were cut to pieces without danger to any Christian. They formed mounds, suffocating each other in their attempt to flee. Pizarro, with great bravery, reached Atahuallpa's litter, fearlessly grabbing his arm and shouting 'Santiago!' Despite continuous Indian efforts to hold the litter aloft, Spaniards eventually toppled it, capturing Atahuallpa. The Indians escorting him died around him. An estimated 7000 Indians, including high chiefs, were killed in this battle, with no Spanish casualties, decisively paving the way for the European conquest of the Inca Empire.