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Francisco Pizarro

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Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish explorer known as a conquistador.

Estatua ecuestre de Pizarro (Trujillo, España) 01
Estatua ecuestre de Pizarro (Trujillo, España) 01

He was born in Trujillo, Spain, around the year 1475. His family was very poor. His father was a soldier named Gonzalo Pizarro. His mother was named Francisca González. Pizarro did not go to school as a child. He grew up without being able to read or write. He wanted to find adventure and wealth in the New World.

Palacio de la Conquista
Palacio de la Conquista

His journey to South America took many tries. Pizarro first sailed to the New World in 1509. Later, he helped Vasco Núñez de Balboa cross the Isthmus of Panama. This made them the first Europeans to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. Pizarro then joined a group to explore the south. He made two early trips to find the land of Peru. These first two trips were not successful. They faced bad weather and a lack of food.

Conquest peru 1531
Conquest peru 1531

On his second trip, Pizarro found proof of riches. His pilot, Bartolomé Ruiz, found a raft from the Tumbes region. The raft carried textiles and pieces of gold and silver. The explorers also saw llamas for the first time. Pizarro called these animals "little camels." During this trip, a small group of thirteen men stayed with him. They were called "The Famous Thirteen." They chose to keep searching for wealth in the south.

Atawallpa Pizarro tinkuy
Atawallpa Pizarro tinkuy

In 1529, the Spanish crown gave Pizarro permission to lead a conquest. His third expedition was his most successful. He moved inland and founded San Miguel de Piura. In November 1532, Pizarro met the Inca emperor Atahualpa. This meeting happened at the Battle of Cajamarca. Atahualpa offered a room full of gold as a ransom for his release. However, Pizarro executed the emperor in July 1533.

Millais, John Everett (Sir) - Pizarro Seizing the Inca of Peru - Google Art Project
Millais, John Everett (Sir) - Pizarro Seizing the Inca of Peru - Google Art Project

After the Inca leader died, Pizarro took control of the land. He entered the capital city of Cuzco. In January 1535, he founded the city of Lima.

Pizarro in Lima
Pizarro in Lima

His time in power was filled with struggles. He was involved in fights over political power. These struggles led to his death in 1541. His actions changed the history of South America forever. Today, you can see statues of him in Spain and Peru.

Estatua de Pizarro, Lima (2025) 01
Estatua de Pizarro, Lima (2025) 01
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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Conquest peru 1531.jpg
Conquest peru 1531.jpg
File:Gobernaciones españolas en América del Sur (1529).svg
Gobernaciones españolas en América del...
File:Pizarro in Lima.JPG
Pizarro in Lima.JPG
File:Atawallpa Pizarro tinkuy.jpg
Atawallpa Pizarro tinkuy.jpg
File:Interior of the Cathedral of Lima (2).jpg
Interior of the Cathedral of Lima (2).jpg
File:Estatua de Pizarro, Lima (2025) 01.jpg
Estatua de Pizarro, Lima (2025) 01.jpg
File:Estatua ecuestre de Pizarro (Trujillo, España) 01.jpg
Estatua ecuestre de Pizarro (Trujillo,...
File:Palacio de la Conquista.jpg
Palacio de la Conquista.jpg
File:Millais, John Everett (Sir) - Pizarro Seizing the Inca of Peru - Google Art Project.jpg
Millais, John Everett (Sir) - Pizarro...
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