Battle of Cajamarca

Timeline

1. 1532Cajamarca · Cajamarca DepartmentPizarro's expedition pushed deep into the Andes from Tumbes and elsewhere, exploiting the moment after the Inca civil war when Atahualpa had just defeated his brother Huáscar and his army was dispersed and resting; small contingents of cavalry and firearms advanced on Cajamarca. The Spanish concealed themselves in buildings around the plaza and, under the pretext of a ceremonial meeting, requested a private audience with the emperor.
2. 1532Main plaza of Cajamarca · Cajamarca DepartmentAtahualpa entered the plaza with a small escort to meet the Spanish, refused to accept the Bible and threw it to the ground. Pizarro gave the prearranged signal: cavalry charged, muskets fired in volleys, and horses and metal armor caused a huge psychological shock to the Incas. In the melee the Spanish captured Atahualpa alive; though numerous, the Inca guard was leaderless and scattered with heavy casualties.
3. 1532–1533Cajamarca · Cajamarca DepartmentThe Spanish held the emperor hostage to control the situation, demanded a huge ransom (a room filled with gold and silver), and further divided the Inca nobility. Although Atahualpa completed the ransom payment, he was executed in 1533 and the Inca central authority collapsed. The battle gained control of the political heart of the Andes at minimal Spanish cost, paving the way for the capture of Cuzco and full conquest.