UNKNOWN

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 438, 3 January 1919, Page 3

UNKNOWN

Franci«co Pizarro was born at Tr!jillo. in Spain, «iK>ui the year 14> - and Mired under Bilbo* whet tha: explorer crossed the isthmus of Panama and discovered the PneJfi In 1526 Plzarro sailed from Peru, and after many misadventures and delays reached the port of Tumbez, respecting the empire of the Incas, where he collected full information and then repaired to Spain for authority to undertake the conquest of Peru, which he got in 1629. Pixarro was appointed captain-general, and Almagro was made marshal. He sailed frem Panama In December 1131 with 183 men and 37 horses, and arranged with Almagro to follow with rein forcements. Landing at Tumfces, the Spaniards commenced the march in land in May 1532, and in November entered Cojamarca. Near here Pisarro captured the Inca Atahualpa by treachery, and after extorting an enormous ransom, amounting to £3,500,000 he puf him to death on August 29,1533. Pixarro then march ei to Cuzco, set up the young Inca Manco as nominal sovereign, and was himself created a marquis by Emperor Charles V. While Almagro undertook the conquest of ChlU * and Pizarro was founding Lima a&& Other cities, an Indian insurrection broke out. Both Cuzco, where Piiarro's brothrers were, and Lima were beBieged, but in the spring Almagro returned from Chill, raised the siege of Cuzco, and took possession of that city. But Pizarro did not intend to allow his rival to retain the city, and, being too old to take the field him self, he entrusted his brother with the command of his forces, and Almagro was defeated and beheaded 6oon afterward®. One of Almagro's followers then matured a conspiracy for Pizarro's assassination, which took place in his house at Lima on June 26, 1541. Pizarro was an exceedingly illiterate man, though pos sessed of considerable natural ability, and his dealings with the native population of Peru were characterised by extreme barbarity.