The Incas IV: Atahualpa: The Last Sapa Inca

Atahualpa was the last effective sovereign ruler of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest.

Born: Around 1502, in Quito (then part of the Inca Empire)
Died: July 26, 1533, in Cajamarca (executed by strangulation)
Reign: April 1532 – July 1533, after defeating his half-brother Huáscar
Father: Emperor Huayna Cápac
Religion: Practiced traditional Inca religion, but was baptized shortly before his death

After Huayna Cápac died around 1525, and his designated heir Ninan Cuyochi also died, a succession conflict arose:
- Huáscar ruled from Cusco.
- Atahualpa held power in Quito.
Between 1529 and 1532, the Inca Civil War unfolded.
- Atahualpa achieved major victories at the Battles of Chimborazo and Quipaipán.
- He captured Huáscar and declared himself sole Sapa Inca.

In November 1532, Atahualpa was camped in Cajamarca, on his way to Cusco.
There, he was ambushed by a small group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Spaniards captured Atahualpa and massacred thousands of his attendants.

Atahualpa offered to fill a large room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom.
The ransom was accepted, and it became one of the largest in recorded history.
After receiving the treasure, the Spanish accused Atahualpa of:
- Plotting against the Spanish crown
- Practicing idolatry
- Ordering the death of his brother Huáscar
He was initially sentenced to be burned alive, but after agreeing to be baptized as a Christian, he was executed by garrote on July 26, 1533.

Atahualpa's death marked the end of the Inca Empire as a sovereign state.
Spanish authorities installed puppet rulers, such as Túpac Huallpa and later Manco Inca, but real power remained with the conquistadors.
He is remembered as a symbol of the collapse of Andean civilization and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule.

Source and photo: Wikipedia

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