Battle of Cajamarca

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Cajamarca?

Subject:

Battle of Cajamarca

Known for:

The ambush and seizure of Atahualpa by Francisco Pizarro, marking the start of the Inca conquest.

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Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Cajamarca, also spelled Cajamalca (though many contemporary scholars prefer to call it the Cajamarca massacre), was the ambush and seizure of the Incan ruler Atahualpa by a small Spanish force led by Francisco Pizarro, on November 16, 1532. The Spanish killed thousands of Atahualpa's counselors, commanders, and unarmed attendants in the great plaza of Cajamarca, and caused his armed host outside the town to flee. The capture of Atahualpa marked the opening stage of the conquest of the pre-Columbian civilization of Peru. The confrontation at Cajamarca was the culmination of a months-long struggle involving espionage, subterfuge, and diplomacy between Pizarro and the Inca via their respective envoys. Atahualpa had received the invaders from a position of immense strength.

Career & Major Achievements

Encamped along the heights of Cajamarca with a large force of nearly 80,000 battle-tested troops fresh from their victories in the civil war against his half-brother Huáscar, the Inca felt they had little to fear from Pizarro's tiny army, however exotic its dress and weaponry. In an ostensible show of goodwill, Atahualpa had lured the adventurers deep into the heart of his mountain empire where any potential threat could be isolated and responded to with massive force. Pizarro and his men arrived on Friday November 15, 1532. The town itself had been largely emptied of its two thousand inhabitants, upon the approach of the Spanish force of 180 men, guided by an Inca noble sent by Atahualpa as an envoy. Atahualpa himself was encamped outside Cajamarca, preparing for his march on Cuzco, where his commanders had just captured Huáscar and defeated his army.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to the chronicles, Atahualpa intended to capture and enslave some Spaniards to share with him their advanced crafts, namely the weaponsmith Juan de Salinas, the horseman Hernán Sánchez Morillo and the barber Francisco López, the last because the emperor's spies had seen him at work and believed he knew how to rejuvenate people. He would execute the rest. For his part, Pizarro was accompanied by a retinue of Cañari chieftains from Tumbes led by Vilchumlay, who might have advised him during his journey. The Cañari stayed on the sidelines to witness the imminent battle. The book History Of The Conquest Of Peru, written by 19th century author William H. Prescott, recounts the dilemma in which the Spanish force found itself.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1532: 1532 Milestone — The Battle of Cajamarca, also spelled Cajamalca (though many contemporary scholars prefer to call it the Cajamarca massacre), was the ambush and seizure of the Incan ruler Atahualpa by a small Spanish force led by Francisco Pizarro, on November 16, 1532.

Notable Quotes by Battle of Cajamarca

“Any assault on the Inca armies overlooking the valley would have been suicidal.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Cajamarca

True or False: “The Spanish forces at Cajamarca were overwhelmingly outnumbered by Atahualpa's assembled army.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Atahualpa had a massive host nearby, the immediate confrontation saw Pizarro's small force concealed within the town plaza against an unarmed or lightly armed retinue.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Cajamarca