Battle of Cuzco

Battle of Cuzco (1533)
Part of the Spanish conquest of Peru
DateOn or shortly before November 15, 1533
LocationCuzco, present-day Peru
Result Decisive Spanish victory
Belligerents

Spanish Empire
Spanish Conquistadores
Native allies

Inca Empire
Commanders and leaders
Hernando de Soto
Juan Pizarro II
Quizquiz
Strength
Thousands of native auxiliaries
250-300, 60+ cavalry and 3 guns
Unknown, but probably 10,000-100,000
Casualties and losses
Minimal, mainly Indians Thousands, army routed

The Battle of Cuzco was fought in 1533 between the forces of Spain and of the Incas. After executing the Inca Atahualpa, Francisco Pizarro marched his forces to Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire. As the Spanish army approached Cuzco, however, Pizarro sent his brother Juan Pizarro and Hernando de Soto ahead with forty men. The advance guard fought a pitched battle with Incan troops in front of the city, securing victory. The Incan army under the command of Quizquiz withdrew during the night. The Spanish plundered Cuzco, where they found much gold and silver. Quizquiz was eventually killed, after being struck down by his own followers, leaving none to lead the Inca Empire, since his only equal commander Chalkuchimac had been burned in captivity.

Eventually, Manco Inca Yupanqui tried to recapture the city three years later with some 100,000 Incas, but ultimately failed after a ten-month siege.


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