How 168 Spanish Soldiers Conquered a Million-Strong Inca Empire
2025-03-29
This article recounts the incredible story of 168 Spanish soldiers conquering the Inca Empire, a civilization boasting millions of inhabitants. The author delves into Pizarro's conquest, examining his background, Spanish military technology (cavalry, iron weaponry, firearms), tactical superiority, and fortuitous circumstances like the Inca civil war and smallpox epidemic. A comparison with Cortes's conquest of the Aztecs is drawn, highlighting leadership, diplomacy, and brutality. Ultimately, the article argues that the Spanish success stemmed not only from technological and tactical advantages but also from the exceptional decision-making and strategic acumen of Pizarro and other conquistadors.