646. The Fall of the Incas: Death to the Emperor (Part 3)
6Digest
This episode details the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, focusing on the capture, ransom, and eventual execution of Emperor Atahualpa by Francisco Pizarro. It explores the immense gold ransom offered by Atahualpa, the Spanish realization of the Incas' non-monetary view of wealth, and the strategic and political maneuvering that led to Atahualpa's demise. The narrative also touches upon the disorientation of the Inca generals, the role of key figures like Chalcuchima, and the broader implications of the conquest, including the exploitation of Inca leadership structures and the eventual consolidation of Spanish power. The episode concludes by briefly touching upon the Bronze Age apocalypse and Mycenaean civilization, drawing parallels to historical narratives and mythological origins.
Outlines
Atahualpa's Ransom and Capture
The episode begins with a reenactment of Atahualpa, Emperor of the Incas, gathering gold for his release from Spanish captivity. It details Francisco Pizarro's arrival in Cajamarca in November 1533, the capture of Atahualpa after a civil war, and his subsequent imprisonment. The morning after his capture, Atahualpa is shocked, and Pizarro offers reassurance, though the hosts question its sincerity. Atahualpa orders his army not to resist, and Hernando de Soto encounters no opposition.
The Inca's View on Gold and the Ransom Offer
The Spanish discover that the Incas value gold and silver for their aesthetic qualities, not monetary value, as they lack a concept of money. Seeing the Spanish fascination, Atahualpa offers to fill a room with gold as high as he can reach, plus twice that with silver, within two months, in exchange for his freedom. Pizarro, astonished, agrees to the terms, seeing it as a way to gain collaborators.
Atahualpa's Strategy and the Spanish Fascination
The hosts discuss Atahualpa's apparent naivete and strategic shrewdness in his policy, acknowledging his legitimacy and buying time. It's argued he is intellectually trapped by the civil war context. Orders are sent for gold, and the Spanish become fascinated by Atahualpa, documenting his appearance, habits, and rituals, including his fashion and the absolute authority of the Sapa Inca.
Spanish Exploitation and Inca Disorientation
The Spanish exploit the Inca leadership vacuum by allowing Atahualpa to receive messengers and tribute, consolidating their control. A parallel is drawn between the Spanish and parasitic ants. Despite large Inca armies, generals are disoriented and follow Atahualpa's orders to wait, highlighting the unusual and rapid nature of the Spanish conquest. The podcast explores whether the appearance of Europeans or the audacious capture of their emperor was more disorienting.
Atahualpa's Continued Rule and the Ransom's Progress
Atahualpa, while captive, orders the murder of his brother Huascar, demonstrating his continued ability to rule. He is portrayed as a ruthless ruler prioritizing his civil war agenda. By April 1533, the ransom room is nearing completion, and Atahualpa, frustrated by the Spanish damaging artifacts, directs them to sacred temples for more gold.
Surrendering Sacred Temples and the Expedition to Pachacamac
Atahualpa's decision to surrender the Coricancha and the oracle of Pachacamac is analyzed, linked to punishing Cusco and discrediting priests. The shrine of Pachacamac held a prophecy of doom. Hernando de Soto's expedition to Pachacamac finds the sanctuary underwhelming, dark, and unpleasant, with no treasure found as it was hidden.
Chalcuchima's Blockade and Potential to Unite
Hernando de Soto begins his journey back to Cajamarca, only to find Atahualpa's commander-in-chief, Chalcuchima, blocking the road with a large army. Chalcuchima, a veteran general, is suggested as the only one who could have united the empire. Soto encounters Chalcuchima, who initially refuses to go to Cajamarca but eventually agrees, a decision deemed a tragic mistake.
Chalcuchima's Capture and Atahualpa's Fate
Chalcuchima arrives in Cajamarca and is reunited with Atahualpa, whose detached reaction signals trouble. The Spanish pressure Chalcuchima for gold, and under torture, he calls for Atahualpa. Despite Atahualpa's reassurance, Chalcuchima is burned. The episode concludes with a grim outlook for both Atahualpa and Chalcuchima.
The Ransom Nears Completion and Invasion Realization
In April 1533, the ransom room is nearing completion, and Atahualpa believes his freedom is near. Diego de Almagro arrives with reinforcements, and Atahualpa realizes this is an invasion, not just a raid. Pizarro reveals they will stay and divide the Inca people.
Melting Down the Gold and Looting Cusco
In May 1533, Pizarro orders the melting down of the gold, resulting in tons of bars for Spain. Atahualpa persuades Pizarro to send men to Cusco's Sun Temple, Coricancha, where the Spaniards tear out gold plates. The scale of the ransom is confirmed as the largest ever paid.
Unequal Distribution and Pizarro's Royal Approval
Pizarro begins distributing the gold unequally, favoring himself and horsemen, leading to resentment from Almagro. Pizarro sends his brother Hernando to Spain with gold to secure royal approval for his governorship. Atahualpa becomes distressed by Hernando's departure, fearing for his life.
Atahualpa's Fate and Spanish Anxiety
Circumstances surrounding Atahualpa's fate become murky as rumors of his planned escape circulate. The Spanish grow anxious, outnumbered and fearing an attack, despite the army's non-existence. They face a dilemma: leave him, take him, or kill him.
The Dilemma of Atahualpa's Execution
Atahualpa challenges rumors of his men attacking, offering his execution if true. Pizarro is indecisive and orders Atahualpa chained. The Spanish are torn between legalistic imperatives and practical concerns, fearing the Spanish court's reaction to executing a monarch.
The Meeting to Decide Atahualpa's Fate
In mid-July 1533, a meeting is held. Those present from the beginning argue for Atahualpa's life, while Almagro's faction urges his execution to proceed to Cusco. Tensions escalate as rumors of an approaching Inca army intensify, leading to hysteria and paranoia.
The Trial and Execution of Atahualpa
Almagro and royal officials demand a meeting, and Pizarro, outnumbered, agrees to Atahualpa's execution for treason. Spanish sources disagree on a formal trial, suggesting a rudimentary court-martial. Atahualpa offers more gold for his life but is found guilty and sentenced to death by burning unless he converts.
Atahualpa's Execution and Aftermath
Burning is unthinkable for an Inca, preventing passage to the afterlife. Atahualpa accepts baptism and the name Francisco to avoid burning but is then garroted. His grilled body is left in the square overnight. Reports reach Spain, and Charles V expresses displeasure with Pizarro's actions.
Pizarro's Precarious Position and the Inca Empire's Future
Most Spanish chroniclers condemn Atahualpa's killing. With Atahualpa dead, Pizarro's position becomes precarious. The Inca Empire is now leaderless, and Pizarro faces the challenge of finding a new puppet ruler as they set their sights on Cusco.
Bronze Age Apocalypse and Mycenaean Civilization
This chapter discusses the Bronze Age apocalypse, its connection to Homer's writings, and the origins of the term "Greeks." It explores the Mycenaean warrior aristocracy, their obsession with honor and reputation, and the concept of "kleos." The myth of Heracles and the origin of the Milky Way are also recounted.
Keywords
Atahualpa's Ransom
The immense amount of gold and silver demanded by Francisco Pizarro from Atahualpa, Emperor of the Incas, in exchange for his freedom. This ransom became the largest ever paid in history and played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.
Conquistadors
Spanish conquerors who explored and claimed territories in the Americas for Spain. They were known for their military prowess, ambition for wealth, and often brutal methods in subjugating indigenous populations.
Inca Empire
A vast empire in pre-Columbian America, centered in the Andes region of South America. Known for its sophisticated administration, impressive architecture, and advanced road system, it was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Cajamarca
A city in northern Peru, historically significant as the site where Emperor Atahualpa was captured by Francisco Pizarro in 1533, marking a turning point in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.
Francisco Pizarro
A Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire. He captured Emperor Atahualpa and played a central role in the subsequent colonization of Peru.
Hernando de Soto
A Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquest of the Inca Empire. He was a lieutenant to Pizarro and later explored much of what is now the southeastern United States.
Diego de Almagro
A Spanish conquistador and partner of Francisco Pizarro. He played a key role in the conquest of the Inca Empire but later had a bitter falling out with Pizarro over the division of spoils.
Coricancha
The most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God, located in Cusco. It was renowned for its gold ornamentation and was a major pilgrimage site.
Pachacamac
An ancient oracle and shrine located near modern-day Lima, Peru. It was a significant religious center predating the Incas and was known for its prophecies, some of which proved disastrously wrong.
Chalcuchima
One of Atahualpa's most experienced generals, a veteran commander who served Atahualpa's father. His capture and subsequent death were significant blows to Inca resistance.
Kleos
A Greek concept signifying eternal glory or fame, often achieved through heroic deeds. It was a central ideal for the Mycenaean warrior aristocracy, influencing their pursuit of honor and reputation.
Mycenaeans
An ancient Greek civilization that flourished during the Bronze Age. They were a warrior aristocracy known for their obsession with honor and reputation, and are believed to be the people Homer referred to as Achaeans, Danaans, and Argives.
Bronze Age Apocalypse
A period of widespread societal collapse in the Eastern Mediterranean around the end of the Bronze Age. This event is believed to have significantly influenced ancient Greek epics, including those by Homer.
Heracles
A heroic figure in Greek mythology, son of Zeus and Alcmene. His name, meaning "glory of Hera," was given to him in an attempt to appease the goddess Hera, who hated him due to his illegitimate birth.
Milky Way
The galaxy containing our solar system. In Greek mythology, it is said to have formed from the breast milk of the goddess Hera, which spilled across the sky when she pushed away the infant Heracles.
Q&A
What was the ransom demanded by Pizarro from Atahualpa?
Pizarro demanded that Atahualpa fill a room with gold as high as he could reach, and twice that amount with silver, within two months, in exchange for his freedom. This ransom became the largest ever paid in history.
How did the Spanish realize the Incas' view on gold?
After capturing Inca treasures, the Spanish observed that the Incas valued gold and silver for their aesthetic beauty rather than for monetary purposes, as they did not use currency.
Why did Atahualpa offer to surrender the temples of Coricancha and Pachacamac?
Atahualpa offered these temples to appease the Spanish and secure more gold. It also served his strategic goals: punishing Cusco for supporting his brother and discrediting the Pachacamac priests for their failed prophecies.
What was the significance of Chalcuchima's decision to go with Soto to Cajamarca?
Chalcuchima's decision was a tragic mistake. It led to his capture and death, significantly weakening Inca resistance against the Spanish invaders, as he was a key figure who might have united the empire.
Why did the Spanish execute Atahualpa despite receiving the ransom?
The Spanish, gripped by paranoia and fear of attack, and influenced by Almagro's faction, decided Atahualpa was too great a risk. They feared he would incite rebellion or escape, and they wanted to proceed to Cusco for more gold.
What was the reaction in Spain to Atahualpa's execution?
The Spanish court, including King Charles V, was displeased with Pizarro's actions. They viewed the execution of a monarch, especially one who had surrendered and paid a ransom, as a grave sin and a disservice to Spain.
What was the fate of Atahualpa's body after his execution?
Atahualpa's grilled body was left in the square overnight. While officially buried, there are stories of his body being rescued, mummified, and potentially venerated, with some believing he might return from the dead.
What is "kleos" and why was it important to the Mycenaeans?
Kleos is a Greek concept meaning eternal glory or fame. It was crucial for the Mycenaean warrior aristocracy, driving their obsession with honor and reputation to achieve lasting renown.
Who were the Mycenaeans, and how do they relate to Homer's epics?
The Mycenaeans were a Bronze Age Greek civilization, a warrior aristocracy. Homer likely referred to them by various names like Achaeans, Danaans, and Argives. Their societal values and the events of their time may have inspired his epics.
What is the mythological origin of the Milky Way?
According to Greek myth, the Milky Way was formed when Hera, the goddess, pushed away the infant Heracles as he suckled her breast. Her breast milk then spread across the sky, creating the galaxy.
Show Notes
What happened to the emperor of the Incas after he was taken prisoner by the Spanish conquistadors? Did the formidable buccaneer, Francisco Pizarro, and his men succeed in discovering the treasure troves of the Incas? And, could the Incan empire stand united against this terrifying, alien invasion…?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they charge into the bloodiest moment of the whole conquest of the Incas thus far….
To listen to or watch The Book Club, go to: The Book Club
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Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
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Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
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