Atahualpa was the last of the native lords of the mighty Inca Empire, which spanned parts of present-day Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia. He had just defeated his brother Huascar in a violent civil war when Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro arrived in the Andes. The unlucky Atahualpa was quickly captured by the Spanish and held for ransom. Although his ransom was paid, the Spanish killed him anyway, clearing the way for the plunder of the Andes. Other spellings of his name include Atahuallpa, Atawallpa and Ata Wallpa. His birthdate is unknown, but probably around 1500: he was killed in 1533.
In the Inca Empire, the word “Inca” meant “King,” and generally only referred to one man, the ruler of the Empire. Atahualpa was one of many sons of Inca Huayna Capac, an efficient and ambitious ruler. The Incas could only marry their sisters: no one else was deemed noble enough. They had many concubines, however, and their offspring (Atahualpa included) were considered eligible for rule. Rulership of the Inca did not necessarily pass to the eldest son first, as was the European tradition: any one of Huayna Capac's sons would be acceptable. Often, civil wars broke out between brothers for succession.
Read Full Article »