Atahualpa

Before the Americas were discovered by the Europeans, an empire flourished in what is now modern day Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Bolivia and Chile. This empire is commonly known as the Inca Empire.

The word "Inca" actually means king or the ruler of the empire in Quechua, the traditional language of the Andes.

The last true Inca to rule the vast empire was Atahualpa, son of Huayana Capac. Although, Atahualpa's reign was cut short by a man named Francisco Pizarro.

Atahualpa

Around 1533 Atahualpa ascended to the throne after capturing his brother, Huascar who was also his primary political rival. He was on his way back to Cuzco, the empire's capital, when he and his army stopped in the city of Cajamarca. It was there Pizarro and Atahualpa first met.

The Spanish always planned to conquer the Incas but before they did that they gave the Inca the chance to convert to christianity. Only after Atahualpa threw the bible on the ground did the Spanish attack.

The Inca had strength in numbers and thus were surprised when the Spanish attacked. The element of surprise along with guns and horses

Atahualpa

lead the Spanish to victory. Pizarro capture Atahualpa and imprisoned him in a room. As ransom Atahualpa promised Pizarro that he would fill his cell half with gold and half with silver. He ordered his people to bring the gold and silver for his ransom but when the room was finally filled with gold and silver, Pizarro did not release Atahualpa. Instead, Atahualpa was put on trial and sentenced to death.

On August 29, 1533 Atahualpa was strangled to death. This was the turning point for the Inca Empire. It was all down hill from then on.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Grimanesa Amoros

Grimanesa Amoros is a multi-media artist who was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She now lives in New York City.

Grimanesa Amoros's art is often inspired by Peruvian history and culture. For example her piece "Golden Waters"

Grimanesa Amoros