Dan Snow's History Hit 4. Machu Picchu: The Fall of the Inca Empire
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Mar 7, 2024 Exploring the clash between Spanish conquistadors and the Inca Empire, the podcast delves into the devastating effects of invasion, betrayal, and disease. It highlights the political alliances, power struggles, and fierce battles that led to the downfall of the Inca. Despite resistance and resilience, the Spanish conquest marked the end of a mighty empire.
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Inca Empire Weakened Pre-Conquest
- The Inca empire was already weakened by internal divisions and deadly European diseases before Pizarro's arrival.
- This made it vulnerable to a small, opportunistic Spanish force exploiting its political chaos.
Atawalpa's Captivity and Execution
- Atawalpa was captured during a Spanish ambush after meeting Pizarro in Chaya marker.
- Despite promises, he was executed, ending the leadership of the Inca Empire and beginning Spanish control.
Political Alliances Enable Conquest
- The Spanish took Cusco mostly through political alliances and opportunism rather than overwhelming force.
- Indigenous groups who disliked the Inca allied with Pizarro, aiding Spanish conquest.