Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Blood and Gold (with Dan Snow)

Apr 23, 2024
Historian Dan Snow joins Tim Harford to discuss the downfall of the Inca Empire due to Spanish conquest in Peru. They draw parallels with the Battle of Crécy, highlighting treachery and deceit in pursuit of gold. The episode showcases cultural and strategic warfare dynamics, emphasizing the devastating impact of European diseases on the Inca. Pizarro's cunning tactics and ingenious strategies in defending Cusco against overwhelming odds lead to a significant victory.
40:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Inca's downfall due to inability to adapt to European warfare tactics.
  • Spanish exploitation of Inca's desire for peace through treachery and deceit.

Deep dives

The Cravins for Aztec Gold

The Spanish colonization sets out on a quest for treasure in Peru, targeting the Inca Empire. Francisco Pizarro, a man with humble beginnings, leads a group of adventurers to Peru in search of the rumored city of gold. The Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, falls victim to Pizarro's audacious tactics, ultimately captured and killed. The Inca fail to grasp the European culture of warfare, leading to their downfall despite a massive army.

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