How did Francisco Pizarro’s expedition affect Atahuallpa?

Francisco Pizarro’s expedition had a catastrophic impact on Atahuallpa, leading to the collapse of the Inca Empire. While Atahuallpa was resting near Cajamarca, Pizarro invited him to a feast, only to ambush him with a force of roughly 180 men.1

During this encounter, Pizarro’s forces utilized horses, firearms, and cannons—technologies unknown to the Incas—to slaughter thousands of Atahuallpa’s unarmed retainers and take the emperor prisoner. This capture profoundly shocked the Inca people, as they viewed their king as a god; his imprisonment effectively shattered their worldview.12

In an attempt to secure his freedom, Atahuallpa offered a massive ransom of gold and silver, which the Spaniards collected and melted down. Despite fulfilling this agreement, Pizarro betrayed Atahuallpa, ordering his execution. Atahuallpa was ultimately killed by strangulation via the garrote after agreeing to convert to Christianity to avoid being burned alive. His death marked the end of the last free-reigning Inca emperor and the beginning of Spanish rule in the region.12