Juan de Betanzos facts for kids

Juan Diez de Betanzos (born in Betanzos, Spain in 1510 – died in Cusco, Peru on March 1, 1576) was an important Spanish writer. He wrote one of the most valuable books about the Incan civilization and how it was conquered by the Spanish. This book is called Narrative of the Incas.

Betanzos gathered information for his book from many people. A very important source was his wife, Cuxirimay Ocllo. She was also known as Doña Angelina. She had been married to the Incan King Atahualpa before the Spanish arrived. Betanzos also talked to other Incans who had seen the Battle of Cajamarca or were with King Atahualpa.

Why Betanzos's Book is Important

The book Narrative of the Incas is special because it tells the story from the point of view of the Inca people. Most other books from that time were written by the Spanish conquerors. The Incas did not have a written language like Spanish. So, Betanzos's book gives us rare details about their civilization before the Spanish arrived.

Life Before the Spanish Conquest

His book helps us understand how the Inca kingdom grew. It tells about the early expansion of the Inca people. It also describes how the kingdom of Cuzco developed under leaders like Yupanqui. The book also explains the big plans of Huayna Capac, who was a powerful Inca emperor.

The Inca Civil War

The Narrative of the Incas also gives us information about a civil war. This war happened between two Inca brothers, Huáscar and Atahualpa. It took place just before the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro arrived. This war weakened the Inca Empire.

Understanding the Author's View

It is important to remember that Betanzos's book has a certain point of view. Since his wife, Cuxirimay Ocllo, was married to Atahualpa, the book tends to favor Atahualpa. It might not be as fair to Huáscar. Historians always consider who wrote a book and why when they study history.