The Dark Truth Behind the Execution of the Inca - Unveiling the Untold History of the Incas by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa

The Inca Empire is one of the most glorious and powerful civilizations in ancient history, with its grandeur and impressive achievements leaving an indelible mark. However, the story of the Incas is also marred by a brutal and devastating event - the execution of the Inca ruler. In this article, we delve into the captivating accounts provided by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa in his book titled "History of the Incas," shedding light on the hidden aspects of this heartbreaking event.

Who was Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa?

Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa was a Spanish explorer, historian, and chronicler who dedicated years of his life to meticulously documenting the history and culture of the Inca civilization. His masterpiece, "History of the Incas," serves as a vital source of information for scholars and enthusiasts, enabling them to understand the ancient civilization's rise and fall.

Understanding the Inca Empire

The Inca Empire, also known as Tahuantinsuyu, stretched from present-day Ecuador to Chile and Argentina, encompassing a vast land area and diverse cultural groups. The Incas were masterful engineers, constructing intricate road networks, awe-inspiring agricultural terraces, and remarkable architectural marvels like Machu Picchu.

History of the Incas, by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, and the Execution of the Inca Tupac Amaru, by Captain Baltasar de Ocampo: With a Supplement: A Narrative ... (Hakluyt Society, Second Series Book 22)

by Susan Milbrath (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	428 pages

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The Execution of the Inca

The execution of the Inca ruler was a tragic event that shook the foundations of the Inca Empire. According to Sarmiento de Gamboa's account, Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, was captured by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1532. The Spanish sought to exploit the riches of the Inca Empire and demanded an exorbitant ransom in gold and silver for Atahualpa's release.

Despite fulfilling the Spanish demands, Atahualpa was unjustly put on trial, accused of rebellion and the murder of his brother, Huascar. The trial was characterized by a lack of fairness and systemic bias, with the Spanish imposing their own laws and customs upon the Inca ruler. Consequently, Atahualpa was found guilty and sentenced to death.

The Dark Depths of Betrayal

As the execution sentence was issued, Atahualpa's world came crashing down. The once mighty and revered Inca ruler was subjected to a horrifying ordeal that symbolized the end of an era. It is said that Atahualpa was offered a choice between conversion to Christianity and death by strangulation. Faced with this ultimatum, he chose the latter, refusing to betray his ancestral beliefs.

The execution was not only a physical ending but also a symbolic annihilation of the Inca civilization. What was once a thriving empire with its spiritual and cultural foundations was reduced to ruins. The execution served as a grim reminder of the power dynamics and oppressive forces that defined the conquest of the New World.

Legacy and Impact

The execution of the Inca resonates through the annals of history, forever leaving a mark on the collective consciousness. It stands as a stark reminder of the unrelenting pursuit of power and wealth by colonial forces, at the expense of indigenous cultures and civilizations. This event served as a catalyst for the destruction and transformation of the Inca Empire, with its scars still visible in the Andean region today.

In Search of Truth

Thanks to historians and chroniclers like Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, we are able to uncover the hidden narratives and complexities behind historical events. Sarmiento's "History of the Incas" provides a window into the world of the Inca civilization, shedding light on the dark truth behind the execution of the Inca ruler.

The execution of the Inca is a haunting chapter in the history of the Inca Empire. Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa's meticulous account in "History of the Incas" unveils the hidden layers behind this tragic event, exposing the injustices and power dynamics that defined the conquest of the New World. Understanding these historical events allows us to honor the resilience and contributions of indigenous cultures while seeking to create a more inclusive future.

History of the Incas, by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, and the Execution of the Inca Tupac Amaru, by Captain Baltasar de Ocampo: With a Supplement: A Narrative ... (Hakluyt Society, Second Series Book 22)

by Susan Milbrath (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	428 pages

FREE

Translated from the original manuscript in the Library of the University at Goettingen (Col. ms. hist. 809) as published by R. Pietschmann in Abhandlungen d. K. Gesellschaft d. Wiss. zu Goettingen. Philol. Hist. Kl., N.F., Bd. VI, no. 4 (1906). The second part of the author's Historia indica; a first part (Historia natural destas tierras) and a third which was to contain the history of the conquest until 1572 were projected, but apparently never completed. The first text was dedicated to Philip II in 1572; the second was written in 1610. The edition includes a bibliography of Peru, pp. 341-58. Pagination of this and the Supplement is continuous.The Supplement is another eye-witness account. Internally stated to have been issued as a separate item, yet in fact bound within the previous item. This is a new print-on-demand hardback edition of the volume first published in 1907.