Atahualpa

Atahualpa was the last Inca ruler, executed by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1533, marking the end of the Inca empire.

Synopsis

Born c. 1502, Atahualpa was the younger son of Inca ruler Huayna Capac. At Huayna's death, the kingdom was divided between his sons. This lead to a bloody civil war, which Atahualpa won in 1532. Before he could celebrate, he was captured by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Atahualpa paid an immense ransom in gold, but Pizarro still executed him, marking an end to the Inca empire.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

BIOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.

MORE STORIES FROM BIOGRAPHY

Louis-XVI-9386943-1-402

Louis XVI was the last king of France (1774–92) in the line of Bourbon monarchs preceding the French Revolution of 1789. He was married to Marie Antoinette and was executed for treason by guillotine in 1793.

(1754–1793)

William-Kidd-17179370-1-402

William Kidd is one of the most famous pirates in history, remembered for his execution for piracy on the Indian Ocean.

(c. 1645–1701)

Montezuma-II-9412612-1-402

Montezuma II was the last of the Aztec emperors, who was defeated by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1520.

(c. 1466–1520)

Hernan-Cortes-9258320-1-402

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who explored Central America, overthrew Montezuma and his vast Aztec empire and won Mexico for the crown of Spain.

(c. 1485–1547)

Louis Riel

Louis Riel was the leader of the Métis in western Canada who led his people in revolt against Canadian sovereignty and helped found the province of Manitoba.

(1844–1885)

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Mexican Catholic priest who called for a revolution against the Spanish on September 16, 1810.

(1753–1811)

Attila-9191831-1-402

Attila the Hun was one of the most successful barbarian rulers of the Hunnic Empire, attacking the Eastern and Western Roman empires.

(c. 406–453)

Nicholas-II-21032713-1-402

Nicholas II was the last tsar of Russia under Romanov rule. His poor handling of Bloody Sunday and Russia’s role in World War I led to his abdication and execution.

(1868–1918)

Miguel-de-Cervantes-9242997-1-402

Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes created one of the world's greatest literary masterpieces, 'Don Quixote,' in the early 1600s.

(c. 1547–1616)