Cuzco 1536-37: Battle for the Heart of the Inca Empire

The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire is a detailed and illustrated study of one of the most important campaigns in the colonization of the Americas. In 1532, Atahualpa, the master of the Inca Empire, was seized by Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. In 1536, Manco roused his people against the intruders, leading to a 10-month siege of Cuzco. This book brings to life the background, progress, and key clashes of the siege, and how it shaped our world today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Spanish conquest of the vast Inca Empire is a pivotal moment in the colonization of the Americas, and this book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of this significant event. In April 1532, a bloody civil war between two brothers ended with Atahualpa, one of them, emerging as the master of the mighty Inca Empire. As the most powerful man in South America, Atahualpa's word held sway over millions of subjects, spanning thousands of square miles from the parched deserts of the coast to the lush rainforest of the Amazon and along the spine of the soaring Andes Mountains. However, the era of the Incas was drawing to a close. In November of that year, a handful of Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, seized Atahualpa at Cajamarca, extorted his treasure, and murdered him. With Atahualpa's demise, the Spaniards marched on the Inca capital, Cuzco, intending to install a puppet ruler, Manco, on the vacant throne.

In 1536, however, Manco rallied his people against the invaders, leaving the Spaniards isolated and fighting for their lives. This captivating and beautifully illustrated book delves into the background, progress, and key clashes of the desperate 10-month siege of Cuzco. It explores the opposing commanders, their fighting men, tactics, and military technologies employed during the conflict. The book also highlights the pivotal moments, such as Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo, that shaped the course of history and had far-reaching consequences for the world today.

The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire marked a turning point in the history of the Americas, with profound implications for the indigenous cultures, the Spanish colonizers, and the world at large. This book offers a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted aspects of this historical event, providing a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the course of human civilization.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 185 x 247 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472843807