Treasure of the Llanganatis facts for kids

The Treasure of the Llanganates is a huge amount of gold, silver, platinum, and electrum. These valuable items, along with other treasures, are believed to be hidden deep inside the Llanganates mountains in Ecuador. An Inca general named Rumiñahui supposedly hid them.

The Llanganates Treasure: A Hidden Inca Fortune

The legend of the Llanganates Treasure tells a fascinating story from the time of the Inca Empire. This treasure is not just gold. It includes many precious metals and artifacts. People have searched for it for centuries.

What is the Llanganates Treasure?

The treasure is said to contain a vast amount of gold. It also includes silver, platinum, and electrum. Electrum is a natural mix of gold and silver. These items were crafted by the Inca people. They are considered very valuable.

The Spanish Conquest and Atahualpa

In 1532, a Spanish leader named Francisco Pizarro arrived in South America. He started the conquest of the Inca Empire. Pizarro captured the Inca king, Atahualpa, in a place called Cajamarca.

Atahualpa saw how much the Spanish loved gold. He offered to fill a large room with gold. He also promised to fill another room with silver. This was his offer to gain freedom. Pizarro agreed, but he likely never planned to let Atahualpa go. Before the rooms could be filled, Pizarro had Atahualpa killed. This happened on July 26, 1533.

Rumiñahui's Secret: Hiding the Treasure

The legend says that Inca General Rumiñahui was bringing a huge amount of gold for Atahualpa's ransom. He was on his way to Cajamarca. But then he heard that Atahualpa had been killed.

When Rumiñahui learned of Atahualpa's death, he changed his plans. He sent the people carrying the gold east. They went into areas that are still empty today. Later, he went back to Quito. He gathered even more treasures there. This included tiles from the Temple of the Sun. It also included items belonging to the ñustas, who were temple dancers.

People believe the treasure was hidden in a secret cave. Others think it was thrown into a lake. Rumiñahui kept fighting against the Spanish. He was eventually captured and tortured. But he never told anyone where the treasure was hidden.

The Search Continues

The Treasure of the Llanganates remains a mystery. Many people have tried to find it. The legend continues to inspire adventurers. It is one of the most famous hidden treasures in history.

See also

In Spanish: Tesoro de la Llanganatis para niños