The Inca Empire - A God Taken Hostage - Extra History - Part 5

Summary

This video script recounts the dramatic clash between Spanish conquistadors and the Inca Empire, focusing on the events leading to Atahualpa’s capture and eventual execution. The Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro and Hernando de Soto, use deception and brutal force to defeat the Inca, despite being vastly outnumbered. Atahualpa offers a massive ransom in exchange for his freedom, but internal Spanish conflicts and distrust lead to his death. The aftermath sees widespread rebellions and the destruction of Incan culture, while Pizarro faces his own downfall, illustrating the complex consequences of conquest and cultural legacy in Peru today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Atahuallpa rebukes De Soto for the brutal treatment of his people, showcasing early tension between the Spanish and the Inca emperor.
• 😀 De Soto attempts to impress Atahuallpa with a display of horsemanship, but it only results in an affront when his horse disturbs the royal headband.
• 😀 Atahuallpa visits Pizarro’s camp, where the Spaniards attempt to showcase Christianity with a ‘holy box’ that only angers the Inca emperor when it turns out to be a deception.
• 😀 The Spanish set up an ambush in Cajamarca, slaughtering hundreds of unarmed Inca attendants, and capturing Atahuallpa despite their small numbers.
• 😀 Atahuallpa offers a ransom of gold and silver to secure his release, but this is ultimately part of a plan to organize resistance against the Spanish.
• 😀 Tensions arise among the Spanish, with Diego de Almagro growing distrustful of Atahuallpa and advocating for his execution, despite the significant ransom.
• 😀 Atahuallpa becomes attached to his captors, even playing chess with De Soto and dining with Pizarro, though the Spaniards still view him as a valuable hostage.
• 😀 Factions among the Spanish emerge after the ransom is collected, culminating in Pizarro ordering Atahuallpa’s trial and execution for treason.
• 😀 After Atahuallpa’s execution, the Spanish face significant rebellion in the Inca empire, leading to the installation of two puppet emperors, but the resistance gradually crumbles.
• 😀 Pizarro’s relationship with Almagro deteriorates, leading to conflict among the conquistadors, and ultimately, Pizarro is assassinated by Almagro’s son in revenge.
• 😀 Despite the brutal Spanish conquest, the Inca legacy survives and is now a source of pride for Peru, with Inca history and monuments continuing to influence the nation today.

Q & A

What was the nature of the initial meeting between Hernando de Soto and Atahuallpa?

The initial meeting between Hernando de Soto and Atahuallpa was tense, with Atahuallpa rebuking de Soto for killing his people and enslaving them. De Soto denied the accusation, but the encounter soon escalated, leading to de Soto displaying his horsemanship as a form of intimidation.

Why did Atahuallpa throw the box presented by the priest on the ground?

Atahuallpa threw the box on the ground because, upon opening it, he found no divine voice inside as promised. Instead, it contained only sheets of cloth with patterns, which he saw as a deception, leading him to express anger towards the priest.

How did the Spanish ambush play out after the deception by the priest?

After the priest's deception, a surprise ambush took place, with Spanish soldiers charging the Inca ranks. The Spanish infantry, wearing metal armor, were impervious to the Incan weapons, and the Inca had no experience with cavalry. Within minutes, hundreds of Inca soldiers were killed or trampled by horses.

What was the significance of Atahuallpa’s offer to fill a room with gold and silver?

Atahuallpa offered to fill a room with gold and silver as a ransom to secure his release. This offer, made while he was a captive, was part of a strategic plan to buy time and continue running the empire through intermediaries while secretly organizing an army against the Spanish.

What challenges did the Spanish face when trying to maintain control over the Inca Empire after Atahuallpa's death?

After Atahuallpa's execution, the Spanish faced numerous rebellions from the Inca. Despite their control, the Inca resisted their rule through frequent uprisings, and the Spanish had to deal with political instability within their own ranks, further complicating their conquest.

What was the impact of Pizarro's actions on the Incan religion?

Pizarro's actions, such as ordering his men to destroy the temple of the earthquake God and throwing its idol off a cliff, led to a deep resentment among the Inca. Despite Atahuallpa's brother's offer of an alliance with the Spanish, the destruction of sacred Incan sites was seen as a provocation, worsening relations.

How did Atahuallpa's demeanor affect his relationship with the Spanish conquistadors?

Atahuallpa's calm and composed demeanor, despite being a captive, intrigued the Spanish conquistadors. They became fascinated with his noble bearing, fine clothing, and multiple wives. This respect from the conquistadors was partly because Atahuallpa was the key figure keeping them alive amid the overwhelming Inca forces.

Why did the Spanish ultimately execute Atahuallpa?

The Spanish executed Atahuallpa after discovering that he had been raising armies to oppose them. Despite the ransom being paid, Pizarro’s partner, Diego de Almagro, mistrusted Atahuallpa and argued for his execution. Faced with internal factionalism and the threat of rebellion, Pizarro chose to convict Atahuallpa of treason.

What were the consequences of Atahuallpa's execution for the Spanish?

Atahuallpa's execution led to chaos among the Spanish ranks, exacerbating internal tensions, especially with Diego de Almagro. The Spanish also faced multiple rebellions and unrest throughout their rule in the Inca Empire, revealing the difficulty of maintaining control over the vast territory.

What was the lasting legacy of the Inca civilization despite Spanish repression?

Despite the Spanish repression, the legacy of the Inca civilization survived. Many former subjects of the Inca Empire began to view the Inca rule nostalgically, recognizing it as a 'golden age.' The Inca’s cultural, architectural, and political influence remains visible in modern Peru, in monuments, textiles, and local pride.