- Inca emperor Atahuallpa was absolute monarch of the state
- Spanish conquistador Pizarro represented Holy Roman Emperor Charles V
- Led group of 168 Spanish soldiers through unfamiliar terrain
- Pizarro captured Atahuallpa within few minutes of meeting
- Were able to capture Atahuallpa while having 500 times fewer people
- Proceeded to hold prisoner while extracting large ransom for freedom
- After receiving ransom, defied promise and executed Atahuallpa
- Pizarro marched to Inca capital of Cuzco and had four more battles
Diamond Account
- Spanish had advantage through steel swords, steel armor, guns, and horses
- Steel and horses were crucial, guns only played a minor role
- Spanish additionally had advantage through writing rather than speech
Mann Account
- Incas were defeated due to disease and factionalism
- Overly centralized Inca command structure led to loss
- Spanish had advantage through smallpox brought with them
- Killed 200000 Incas, including members of Atahuallpa’s family
- Led to civil war after death of Atahuallpa’s father