The Inca ruler, Atahualpa, is one of the key figures in the history of the European colonialization of South America. As the last emperor of the largest empire in pre-Columbian Empire, Atahualpa was an immensely powerful leader. In 1532, however, Atahualpa was taken captive by a small Spanish force of 200 men under the conquistador Francisco Pizarro at Cajamarca. The capture of the most powerful ruler in South America paved the way for the Spanish colonization of South America. To understand the situation of the Inca Empire in 1532, one has to go back several years.