Francisco Pizarro and Los Trece de la Fama

Francisco Pizarro, born in Trujillo, Spain around 1478, was a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire and forever changed the course of South American history. His audacious expedition with a small band of men, known as "Los Trece de la Fama" (The Famous Thirteen), set the stage for one of the most remarkable conquests in the age of exploration.

Early Life and Career

Pizarro's early life was marked by poverty and lack of formal education. Born illegitimate to an infantry colonel, he grew up illiterate but ambitious. His quest for fortune and adventure led him to the New World, where he participated in several expeditions, including Vasco Núñez de Balboa's 1513 expedition that first sighted the Pacific Ocean from the Americas.

The Road to Conquest

Pizarro's path to conquering the Inca Empire was not straightforward. He formed a partnership with Diego de Almagro and Hernando de Luque, planning expeditions to explore and conquer the lands south of Panama. Their initial attempts were fraught with hardship and failure, but Pizarro's determination remained unshaken.

The Moment of Decision

The turning point came on the Island of Gallo, off the coast of what is now Colombia. Facing mutiny and hardship, Pizarro made a dramatic gesture that would become legendary. He drew a line in the sand with his sword and, pointing south, declared, "This is the way to Peru and its riches; the other leads to Panama and poverty. Let each man choose what best becomes a brave Castilian."

Los Trece de la Fama

Only thirteen men crossed the line to stay with Pizarro. These men, along with Pizarro himself, became known as "Los Trece de la Fama" (The Famous Thirteen). Their names, though not all confirmed by historical records, are said to include:

1. Francisco Pizarro

2. Bartolomé Ruiz

3. Cristóbal de Peralta

4. Pedro de Candia

5. Domingo de Soraluce

6. Nicolás de Ribera

7. Francisco de Cuéllar

8. Alonso de Molina

9. Pedro Alcón

10. García de Jarén

11. Antón de Carrión

12. Alonso Briceño

13. Martín de Paz

These men's loyalty and bravery would be crucial in the events that followed.

The Conquest of Peru

With royal permission granted in 1529, Pizarro embarked on his third and successful expedition to Peru. The small force of conquistadors, bolstered by indigenous allies, managed to capture the Inca emperor Atahualpa at the Battle of Cajamarca in November 1532. This pivotal moment led to the rapid collapse of the Inca Empire.

Founding of Lima and Later Years

Pizarro's conquest continued with the capture of Cuzco, the Inca capital. In 1535, he founded Lima, which would become the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and a center of Spanish power in South America.

However, Pizarro's later years were marked by conflict. Tensions with his former partner, Diego de Almagro, escalated into civil war. Although Pizarro initially triumphed, he was assassinated in 1541 by supporters of Almagro's son.

Legacy

Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire with just a handful of men is one of the most remarkable feats in the history of exploration and conquest. The story of Los Trece de la Fama exemplifies the daring and determination that characterized the Spanish conquistadors.

However, Pizarro's legacy is complex and controversial. While he established Spanish control over vast territories and resources, his actions also led to the destruction of the Inca civilization and the suffering of indigenous populations. The consequences of his conquest continue to shape Peru and South America to this day.

The tale of Pizarro and Los Trece de la Fama remains a testament to the power of human will and the profound impact that a small group of determined individuals can have on the course of history.

Short Answer Quiz

1. Describe Francisco Pizarro’s background before becoming a conquistador.

2. What was the initial objective of Pizarro, Almagro, and Luque’s partnership?

3. What was the significance of the line Pizarro drew in the sand on the Island of Gallo?

4. Who were “Los Trece de la Fama,” and what made them significant?

5. What crucial event marked the beginning of the Inca Empire’s collapse?

6. What city did Pizarro found, and what was its importance?

7. What caused the eventual downfall and death of Francisco Pizarro?

8. Explain the duality of Francisco Pizarro's legacy.

9. What role did indigenous allies play in the Spanish conquest of the Inca?

10. Summarize the central theme of the story of Francisco Pizarro and Los Trece de la Fama.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the factors that contributed to Pizarro's success in conquering the Inca Empire despite being significantly outnumbered. Discuss the role of technology, political instability within the Inca Empire, and the strategic brilliance of Pizarro and his men.

2. Evaluate the long-term consequences of Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire. Consider the social, cultural, and economic impacts on both the indigenous populations and the colonizers.

3. Compare and contrast Francisco Pizarro with another European explorer or conquistador of the same era. How did their motivations, strategies, and lasting legacies differ?

4. Discuss the ethical implications of Pizarro’s conquest. Analyze the actions of the conquistadors from both the perspective of their time and through a modern moral lens, focusing on the treatment of indigenous people.

5. Explore the ways in which the story of Francisco Pizarro and Los Trece de la Fama has been portrayed in literature, art, and popular culture. How do these different portrayals shape our understanding of this historical event?

Glossary of Key Terms

Conquistador: A Spanish (or Portuguese) explorer, soldier, or adventurer who participated in the conquest of parts of the Americas.

Los Trece de la Fama: (The Famous Thirteen) The group of thirteen men who chose to remain with Francisco Pizarro on the Island of Gallo, committing themselves to the conquest of Peru.

Inca Empire: A powerful indigenous empire that thrived in South America before the Spanish conquest, known for its sophisticated infrastructure, social organization, and culture.

Atahualpa: The last Inca emperor who was captured by Pizarro at the Battle of Cajamarca, leading to the rapid fall of the Inca Empire.

Battle of Cajamarca: The pivotal battle in 1532 where Pizarro's forces captured Atahualpa, marking a turning point in the conquest.

Lima: The city founded by Pizarro in 1535, which became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and a major center of Spanish power in South America.

Viceroyalty of Peru: A Spanish colonial administrative district that governed a large portion of South America, with Lima as its capital.

Mutiny: An open rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers. In this case, the soldiers considering abandoning Pizarro.

Royal Permission: The formal consent from the Spanish crown needed to undertake expeditions and conquests. In this case Pizarro sought permission for the third and successful expedition.