An Account of the Conquest of Peru

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26602

Title

An Account of the Conquest of Peru

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Pedro Sancho, secretary to Pizarro, offers a firsthand defense of the Spanish conquest of Peru. This account details the immense wealth of the Inca Empire, the betrayal of Atahualpa, and the brutal suppression of indigenous resistance, blending ethnological insight with a fervent pro-Spanish narrative.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by Pedro Sancho, secretary to Hernando Pizarro, *An Account of the Conquest of Peru* serves as a formal defense, or *apologia*, for the Spanish conquistadors and their actions in the Andes. The text details the arrival of the Spaniards, the discovery of immense wealth in Cuzco, and the eventual capture and execution of the Inca Atahualpa. Sancho provides extensive ethnological descriptions of Inca society, architecture, and religion, while simultaneously justifying the violence and betrayal committed against the Incas as necessary for the service of the Spanish Emperor and the spread of Christianity. The narrative begins with the extraction of vast quantities of gold and silver from Cuzco, including plates torn from temple walls and a magnificent golden footstool. After paying the royal fifth to the Emperor, the remaining wealth was distributed among the soldiers. The text then addresses the capture of Atahualpa, who had promised to fill a room with gold and silver as ransom. Sancho describes how Atahualpa was accused of treason for plotting to assassinate the Spaniards upon their departure, a charge supported by the testimony of indigenous allies. Despite being offered baptism and a chance to repent, Atahualpa was executed by strangulation and burning in the public square. Following the execution, the Spaniards turned their attention to pacifying the region and expelling rival forces from Quito. The narrative highlights the complex political maneuvering involved in installing Manco Inca as a puppet ruler to maintain order and prevent the natives from fleeing to join enemy factions. Sancho describes the difficult terrain of the Andes, the use of indigenous guides who were later punished for aiding the enemy, and the brutal realities of the conquest, including the burning of traitors like the captain Chilichuchima. The work is a valuable historical source that reveals both the richness of the lost Inca civilization and the ideological motivations of the conquerors. It portrays the conquest not merely as a military campaign but as a divine mission to bring the true faith to the 'barbarians.' While the text contains numerous violations of the truth intended to restore Pizarro's favor with the Emperor, it remains a crucial document for understanding the perspectives of the conquerors and the devastating impact of Spanish rule on the Inca Empire.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Travel