Battle of Cusco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cusco (1533)
Part of the Spanish conquest of Peru
Capitulo-XCII
Date shortly before November 15, 1533 Location Cusco, present-day Peru 13°31′00″S 71°58′41″W / 13.5167°S 71.978°W / -13.5167; -71.978 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire Spanish Conquistadores Native allies Huancas Chankas The Cañari Chachapoyas	Inca Empire
Commanders and leaders
Hernando de Soto Juan Pizarro Francisco Pizarro	Quizquiz
Strength
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 Cusco was an important fight that happened in November 1533. It was fought between the Spanish Conquistadors and the Incas. This battle was a key part of the Spanish conquest of Peru.

What Was the Battle of Cusco?

The Battle of Cusco was a major event in the Spanish takeover of the Inca Empire. It happened in Cusco, which was the capital city of the Inca Empire. The Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, wanted to control this rich city.

The Spanish March to Cusco

Before this battle, the Spanish had captured and killed the Inca leader Atahualpa on July 26, 1533. After this, Francisco Pizarro and his army began marching towards Cusco. As they got closer to the city, Pizarro sent some of his men ahead. His brother, Juan Pizarro, and Hernando de Soto led about forty soldiers.

These Spanish soldiers met the Inca army right outside Cusco. The Inca army was led by a general named Quizquiz. A tough fight took place, but the Spanish soldiers won. Quizquiz and his Inca army then left the area during the night.

Entering the Inca Capital

The very next day, on November 15, 1533, Francisco Pizarro entered Cusco. He was joined by Manco Inca Yupanqui, a young Inca prince. Manco had survived a time when Quizquiz had killed many Inca nobles in Cusco.

Once inside, the Spanish searched Cusco for its valuable treasures. They found a lot of gold and silver. Manco Inca Yupanqui was then crowned as the new Sapa Inca, which means the Inca emperor. He worked with Pizarro to push Quizquiz's army further north.

What Happened Next?

About two years later, Quizquiz was killed by his own soldiers. This left no strong leader for the Inca army. Their other main commander, Chalkuchimac, had already been captured and killed.

Three years after the battle, Manco Inca Yupanqui tried to take Cusco back from the Spanish. He led a large army of about 100,000 Incas. They tried to capture the city for ten months in what is known as the Siege of Cusco. However, Manco and his army were not able to take the city back.

See also

In Spanish: Toma del Cuzco para niños