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Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Francisco Pizarro gain authority from Charles I to conquer Peru?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Flag of Peru with three vertical stripes, red on each side and white in the center, and a central coat of arms featuring a vicuña, cinchona tree, and cornucopia.
Peru

After facing opposition from the governor of Panama regarding his expeditions, Francisco Pizarro traveled to Spain in 1528 to seek direct authorization from Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) for the conquest of the region.12

Pizarro successfully won the emperor over to his scheme, leading to the formal issuance of the Capitulación de Toledo in July 1529. Through this agreement, Pizarro was granted the following:1

  • Official Authority: He was appointed governor and captain general of the province of New Castile, covering a territory extending 600 miles south of Panama.12
  • Viceroyal Prerogatives: He was invested with all the authority and privileges of a viceroy.1
  • Personal Honors: He was decorated and granted a coat of arms.1

This royal backing provided Pizarro with significant legal and political power, which ultimately marginalized his original partners, Diego de Almagro and Hernando de Luque, and set the stage for his expedition to Peru.12