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Francisco Pizzaro (1475-1541)

   

Pizzaro was an explorer, soldier and conquistador born in Trujillo, Spain 1474. During that time he was a soldier in the expedition of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa.  In 1513, he discovered the Pacific Ocean. Desirous of making his own discoveries and fortune, he formed a partnership with the famous conquistador and soldier Diego de Almagro.  In 1531, their expedition included Pizarro's three half-brothers and the other conquistadors who sailed from Panama.  Pizzaro arrived in Peru in 1532, just after Atahualpa, the Incan ruler had won the throne from his brother in a bloody civil war.  Atahualpa refused Pizzaro's demands of becoming a Spanish vassal or converting to Christianity; therefore, he captured him and slaughtered thousands of Inca.  Despite the continuing resistance, Pizzaro and his followers overran the Incan heartland.  The Spaniards were very powerful which made the Inca weak and helpless against there mistreatment.  Pizarro then conquered Cusco, another important Inca city, and founded the city of Lima.  In 1537, Pizarro's rivalry with Almagro led to conflict because Almagro had taken over Cuzco after one of Pizzaro's brothers died. Therefore, Pizzaro sent his brothers to fight and defeat Almagro which was successfully done. In retaliation, Pizzaro was assassinated in 1541 by the Almagro followers which included his son.




Sources:
http://www.biography.com/people/francisco-pizarro-9442295