Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador best known for leading the expedition that resulted in the conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru. Born around 1475 to 1478 in Trujillo, Spain, he came from a poor family and ventured to the New World seeking fortune. After several expeditions, in 1532, Pizarro captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa in a surprise attack at the Battle of Cajamarca. Despite receiving a large ransom in gold for Atahualpa's release, Pizarro charged him with crimes and executed him in 1533. The same year, Pizarro took over the Inca capital of Cuzco and completed the conquest of Peru. He later founded the city of Lima in 1535. His rule ended when he was assassinated in 1541 amid political power struggles. Pizarro's conquest led to the destruction of the Inca civilization, massive loss of life, and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule in South America.
