Quizquiz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Apo Quizquiz
Quizquiz (left), while leading Huáscar prisoner
Died	1535
Occupation	General

Quizquiz or Quisquis was a very important general in the Inca Empire. He served Atahualpa, one of the last Inca emperors. Quizquiz was known for his great military skills. He fought alongside other famous generals like Chalcuchimac and Rumiñawi.

In 1532, Quizquiz led Atahualpa's armies to big victories. They won battles at Mullihambato, Chimborazo, and Quipaipan. In these fights, he and Chalcuchimac defeated and captured Huáscar. Huáscar was Atahualpa's brother and rival for the Inca throne. After this, Quizquiz took control of the Inca capital, Cuzco.

Later, Quizquiz continued to lead Atahualpa's troops. He fought in battles against the Spanish forces. These battles included Vilcaconga and Cuzco in 1533, and Maraycalla in 1534. However, the Spanish forces proved to be too strong.

After these battles, Quizquiz fled into the Andes mountains. His soldiers were tired of fighting and wanted to go home. It was planting season, and they needed to care for their families. Quizquiz refused to let them go. Because of this, his own soldiers killed him in 1535.

What Does His Name Mean?

The name Quizquiz comes from the Quechua language. This was the language spoken by the Inca people. It can mean "leader" or "Little Bird."

Some people believe the name means "barber." They say this is because Quizquiz used to shave the Inca emperor Huayna Capac. He was very skilled and trusted by the emperor.

Quizquiz's Story

His Early Life and Rise

Quizquiz gained his first military experience in the army of Huayna Capac. Huayna Capac was the eleventh Sapa Inca, or emperor. Quizquiz showed great skill in battles in the North.

After Huayna Capac died, Quizquiz stayed loyal to his son, Atahualpa. He became the main commander of Atahualpa's armies in Quito. These armies were fighting against the armies of Cuzco, who supported Huáscar.

A writer named Juan de Betanzos wrote about Quizquiz. He said that Quizquiz led an army of 60,000 soldiers during the Inca civil war. They fought against Huáscar's troops.

As a top commander, Quizquiz planned the war against Cuzco with General Chalcuchimac. Quizquiz was key to defeating and capturing Huáscar. Huáscar had tried to trick them with a small group of soldiers, but it didn't work. Quizquiz won several battles and finally captured the Inca capital.

While Quizquiz was making sure Atahualpa was in charge of Cuzco, he heard bad news. His master Atahualpa had been captured by the Spanish in Cajamarca.

Atahualpa then told Chalcuchimac to stay in Jauja with half the army. Quizquiz was to stay in Cusco with the other half.

Facing the Spanish

Quizquiz was in Cusco when the Spanish arrived. Atahualpa was trying to gather a huge payment, called a ransom, for his freedom. He convinced Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish leader, to send three soldiers to Cusco. They were to check on the gold collection.

The three Spanish soldiers were treated well. But they were not respectful. They damaged temples and bothered the Virgins of the Sun. Atahualpa's orders meant no one could stop them.

Pizarro chose Túpac Huallpa to be the next Inca. But Túpac Huallpa soon died. Then Manco Inca joined Pizarro on his march to Cusco.

Battles and Strategies

In November 1533, Quizquiz was defeated in the Battle of Cuzco. He had to leave the Inca capital. He decided to go back towards Quito.

At that time, the Spanish only held three places in Peru. These were Cuzco, Jauja, and San Miguel. San Miguel helped them get more soldiers by sea. Quizquiz first attacked Cusco. But Pizarro sent soldiers to fight him off. The Spanish "killed and wounded many" of Quizquiz's men.

Quizquiz then attacked the Spanish in Jauja. But he could not win there either.

The rainy season made rivers swell. This destroyed bridges, making it hard for the Spanish to follow from Cuzco. Quizquiz fought against fifty Spanish soldiers and thousands of native allies. Quizquiz was learning new ways to fight the Spanish cavalry. His men tried to surround the enemy. But the Spanish horses broke through their lines. It was a tough day for the Spanish, too. Many were hurt, and their native allies suffered heavy losses.

Quizquiz's troops still managed to get past Jauja. He was sad he couldn't capture the city. Quizquiz learned from this. He found a narrow valley and fortified its sides. This made it hard for horses to move. He waited there for the Spanish.

Weeks later, more Spanish soldiers arrived from Cuzco. They were led by Hernando de Soto and Diego de Almagro. Many native allies sent by Manco Inca Yupanqui were with them.

The Spanish bravely charged forward. But Quizquiz was ready. His defenses worked well, and the Spanish attacks failed.

The Spanish leaders then learned that Quizquiz's army had left their positions. They were heading north. Quizquiz wanted to take back the Quito region. The Spanish followed carefully. They only had small fights with Quizquiz's rearguard. When it was clear Quizquiz had left the area, they stopped following.

Quizquiz had solved the problem of the Spanish chasing him. But he still had difficulties. He had to travel through areas where people were against him. These people had supported Huáscar. They hoped the Spanish would free them.

Despite all these challenges, Quizquiz led his thousands of men on an amazing march. He overcame many problems, especially getting supplies. He led his army beyond the old kingdom of Quito. He hoped to find support and allies there.

His Final Stand

When Quizquiz reached the land of Quito, he hoped to organize a strong resistance. He wanted to fight back and take back the Inca lands. But he found Spanish soldiers already there. These soldiers were led by Belalcázar. More Spanish armies followed, led by Almagro and Pedro de Alvarado.

Alvarado's troops were looking for Rumiñawi and other Inca leaders. They accidentally found Quizquiz's army. A small group of Alvarado's men clashed with Quizquiz's patrol. Their leader, Sotaurco, was captured and forced to tell where Quizquiz was.

The Spanish moved incredibly fast. They marched all night, using torches to see. They stopped only to put new shoes on their horses. They surprised Quizquiz's army.

Quizquiz was surprised, but he was a very skilled general. He acted quickly. Before the enemy could attack, he split his army into two parts. One part, with all the warriors, went up a hill to defend. The other part, led by Quizquiz himself, had most of the supplies and women. They tried to go in another direction.

As Quizquiz expected, the Spanish attacked the warriors on the hill. These warriors were led by Atahualpa's brother, Huaypalcon. They easily held off the Spanish by rolling down many stones.

During the night, the two Inca armies joined back together. The Spanish had to chase them. But they were stopped by a river. The Inca even attacked across the river, hurting the Spanish.

News came that another group of Inca warriors had killed and beheaded fourteen Spanish soldiers. These soldiers were trying to rejoin their friends. So, the Spanish decided to retreat.

Quizquiz had won this battle. But it would be his last.

Death

After meeting with the men of Almagro and Alvarado, Quizquiz fought in many more battles. But he soon realized the Spanish were closing in. He saw that even if they could defend themselves, they couldn't truly defeat the powerful invaders.

Quizquiz thought they needed a new plan. He wanted to change the war into a guerrilla fight. This meant hiding in the forest and making quick attacks. They would never face the Spanish in a big battle.

However, the area he wanted to go to was wild and unknown. While it might be safe from attacks, his large army would surely suffer from hunger. Quizquiz's helpers did not agree with this plan. The general was stressed and angry at their resistance. He accused them of being cowards.

According to Pedro Cieza de Leon, Quizquiz went back towards Quito. He had not achieved what he wanted. He was known as a very brave, wise, and good captain. But his own soldiers, called Huambracuna, killed him near Quito in a village called Tiamcambe. His warriors wanted peace so they could go home, but he refused. Huaypalcon attacked him, and others joined in with axes and clubs, killing him.

This was the end of one of Atahualpa's two greatest generals.

Learn More

• Inca Empire
• Inca
• Conquistador
• Huáscar
• Atahualpa
• Chalcuchimac
• History of Peru
• History of Ecuador

In Spanish: Quizquiz para niños