15 Interesting Facts About Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, is renowned for his role in the conquest of the Inca Empire and his contributions to the Age of Exploration. His life is a remarkable tale of ambition, cunning, and daring adventures. Let’s delve into 15 fascinating facts about this influential historical figure.

Introduction

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who lived during the Age of Exploration in the early 16th century. His expeditions, particularly the conquest of the Inca Empire, had a profound impact on the history of South America. These facts shed light on the life and achievements of this extraordinary figure.

Fact 1: Humble Beginnings

A Modest Background: Francisco Pizarro was born into poverty in Trujillo, Spain, around 1475. He grew up in humble circumstances and had little formal education.

Illiterate Conquistador: Pizarro remained illiterate throughout his life, which was not uncommon among many conquistadors of his time. Despite his lack of education, he possessed keen instincts and a strong will.

Inspiration from Columbus: Pizarro was inspired by the voyages of Christopher Columbus and sought his fortune in the New World, just as Columbus had.

Fact 2: Conquering Panama

Early Expeditions: Pizarro initially traveled to the New World with the explorer Alonso de Ojeda and later joined Vasco Núñez de Balboa’s expedition to Panama. He gained valuable experience in the exploration of Central America.

Role in Founding Panama City: Pizarro played a key role in the founding of Panama City, one of the first European settlements on the Pacific coast of the Americas. This experience would prove valuable in his future endeavors.

Fact 3: The Ill-Fated Expedition to Tierra Firme

Conquest of Tierra Firme: Pizarro led an expedition to Tierra Firme (present-day Colombia) in 1513, in search of riches and new territories. However, this expedition did not yield the desired results, and the group endured many hardships.

Strengthened Determination: Despite the difficulties encountered, Pizarro remained determined to find wealth and glory in the New World, leading him to consider other opportunities.

Fact 4: The Quest for Peru

The Obsession with Peru: Pizarro became obsessed with the rumors of a fabulously wealthy empire in the south, which we now know as the Inca Empire. This obsession fueled his determination to conquer Peru.

Explorations with Almagro and Luque: Pizarro formed a partnership with Diego de Almagro and Hernando de Luque to explore and conquer Peru. The three conquistadors shared the costs and potential rewards of the expedition.

First Expedition to Peru: Pizarro’s first expedition to Peru in 1524 was a failure, as the group encountered resistance from the Inca Empire and returned to Panama empty-handed.

Fact 5: The Conquest of the Inca Empire

Second Expedition: In 1532, Pizarro launched his second expedition to Peru, which ultimately led to the conquest of the Inca Empire. This time, he had better preparation and strategy.

Capture of Atahualpa: Pizarro successfully captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa, which gave him a significant advantage in the conquest. Atahualpa offered a room filled with gold and two with silver as a ransom, but Pizarro executed him despite the payment.

Fall of the Inca Empire: With the capture of Atahualpa, the Inca Empire was left in disarray. The Spaniards continued their conquest, and the empire eventually fell to Spanish rule.

Fact 6: The Enigmatic Death of Pizarro

Assassination of Pizarro: Francisco Pizarro met an unfortunate end when he was assassinated in Lima, Peru, on June 26, 1541. He was killed by a group of followers of Diego de Almagro, who sought revenge for perceived betrayals.

An Intriguing Assassination: Pizarro’s assassination remains an intriguing historical event, as it involved a power struggle among the conquistadors, personal vendettas, and complex political dynamics in the newly conquered territory.

Legacy of Pizarro: Despite his tumultuous end, Pizarro’s conquest of the Inca Empire and his exploration of South America left an enduring legacy, shaping the course of history on the continent.

Fact 7: The Pizarro Brothers

Brothers in Conquest: Francisco Pizarro had four half-brothers who were also involved in the conquest of the Inca Empire. Hernando, Gonzalo, Juan, and Francisco Martín Pizarro played significant roles in their brother’s expeditions.

Gonzalo Pizarro’s Expedition: Gonzalo Pizarro, in particular, led an expedition in search of El Dorado, the legendary city of gold, but the expedition faced immense challenges and hardships.

The Pizarro Legacy: The Pizarro family’s involvement in the conquest of the Inca Empire reflected the ambition and audacity of the conquistadors during the Age of Exploration.

Fact 8: Influence on Lima, Peru

Founding of Lima: Francisco Pizarro is credited with founding the city of Lima in 1535. Lima became the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and played a central role in the Spanish colonial administration.

Architectural Contributions: Under Spanish rule, Lima witnessed significant architectural development, including the construction of churches, palaces, and fortifications, many of which still stand today.

Cultural Fusion: The architecture and culture of Lima represent the fusion of Spanish and indigenous influences, creating a unique cultural heritage.

Fact 9: The Legacy of Pizarro’s Conquest

Silver and Gold: Pizarro’s conquest of the Inca Empire brought vast amounts of silver and gold back to Spain, significantly enriching the Spanish Crown.

Colonial Dominance: The conquest of Peru solidified Spanish dominance in South America and paved the way for further exploration and colonization throughout the continent.

Cultural Impact: The collision of Spanish and indigenous cultures in South America left an enduring impact on art, language, and society in the region.

Fact 10: The King’s Reward

Title of Marquis: For his services and the wealth he brought back to Spain, Pizarro was granted the title of Marquis of Los Atabillos by King Charles V of Spain.

Recognition and Wealth: Pizarro’s newfound title and wealth elevated his social status and allowed him to live a more prosperous life, albeit a short-lived one.

Economic and Political Significance: The wealth from the New World contributed to the economic power of Spain and influenced its political standing in Europe.

Fact 11: Pizarro’s Maritime Skills

Navigational Skills: Pizarro possessed excellent navigational skills, which were crucial during the Age of Exploration. His understanding of ocean currents and wind patterns proved valuable during his expeditions.

The Pacific Crossing: Pizarro’s successful voyage across the Pacific Ocean to reach the Inca Empire remains a testament to his navigational expertise.

Surviving the Elements: Pizarro’s ability to navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific played a pivotal role in the conquest of the Inca Empire.

Fact 12: The Muisca Confederation

Failed Conquest of the Muisca: Before embarking on his conquest of the Inca Empire, Pizarro made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the Muisca Confederation in present-day Colombia. The resistance of the Muisca people forced him to retreat.

Discovery of El Dorado: During the expedition to the Muisca Confederation, Pizarro and his men heard legends of El Dorado, the city of gold. This legend would later inspire further expeditions in search of the fabled city.

El Dorado Legacy: The myth of El Dorado continued to captivate European explorers and treasure seekers for centuries, leaving a lasting legacy.

Fact 13: Pizarro’s Partnership with Cortés

Camaraderie with Cortés: Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés, the conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire, shared a close friendship and exchanged information about their respective conquests.

Mutual Support: Pizarro and Cortés both faced opposition and political challenges from the Spanish Crown. They supported each other in their endeavors and sought to protect their interests.

Two Conquistador Icons: Pizarro and Cortés are often mentioned in the same breath as two of the most iconic Spanish conquistadors of the Age of Exploration.

Fact 14: Pizarro’s Symbolic Sword

Gift from the Spanish Crown: King Charles V of Spain gifted Pizarro a ceremonial sword as a symbol of his royal authority and support for the conquest of the Inca Empire.

The Sword’s Significance: The sword, known as “El Espada del Perú” or “The Sword of Peru,” is an enduring symbol of Pizarro’s conquest and the Spanish presence in South America.

Cultural Artefact: The sword is now a valuable cultural artifact displayed in museums, representing a pivotal period in South American history.

Fact 15: Pizarro’s Enduring Legacy

Mixed Legacy: Francisco Pizarro’s legacy is a complex one. While he is celebrated for his contributions to Spanish exploration and the accumulation of wealth, he is also criticized for the devastation and suffering caused by the conquest.

Historical Controversy: Pizarro’s life and conquest continue to be the subject of historical debate and discussion, reflecting the intricate nature of his impact on the New World.

A Monument to Exploration: Pizarro’s expeditions and the conquest of the Inca Empire are an enduring monument to the Age of Exploration and the transformation of the Americas.

Conclusion

Francisco Pizarro’s life is a story of ambition, audacity, and historical significance. From humble beginnings to the conquest of the Inca Empire, he played a pivotal role in shaping the course of South American history during the Age of Exploration. His legacy, both celebrated and debated, endures as a testament to the era of exploration and the clash of cultures in the New World.