12. The Inca - Cities in the Cloud
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
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Pizarro's Sword and a Line
In 15 28, pizarro reached the incan town of tumbez. Today located on the border between ecuador peru. Tumbez was a magnificent port city. The old inca king tupaca panqui, had built a strong fortress there. A fine temple staffed with 500 virgins who served the sun god. Pizarro shared something of cortez's passion for dramatics. And one instance has passed into legend and idiom. He took his sword and drew a line in the sand and gave his men the following announcement: "On that side are toil, hunger, nakedness, the drenching storm, desertion and death.
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