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1492 to 1522 - Pre-conquest 1492 – The discovery of the Americas  After a thirty-three day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. Although his original aim had been to find a passage westwards to the riches of Asia, to facilitate spice trading, Columbus was undaunted by his discovery of simple, naked natives."I found many islands inhabited by men without number, of all which I took possession for our most fortunate king, with proclaiming heralds and flying standards, no one objecting". Columbus was convinced that he had actually landed in Asia and called the natives "Indians", a misnomer that has persisted until today. 1513 The discovery of the Pacific Ocean Spanish explorers led by Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean at Panama. The expedition included a thirty-five year old captain named Francisco Pizarro. Some years later, Pizarro was to obey orders from the Governor of Panama and arrest Balboa to face trial and eventual execution for sedition. 1519 The conquest of Mexico Hernán Cortés and his expedition of 500 men discovered the Aztec Empire in Mexico. The discovery of such a mighty empire amazed the Spanish chroniclers: "When we saw so many cities and villages built in the water and other great towns on dry land... we were amazed and said that it was like the enchanted houses described in the legend of Amadis... we saw things never before heard of or seen or even dreamed!" The Spaniards' amazement did not stop them conquering the Aztec Empire and looting its treasures. After such a mighty conquest, for Mexico was a large as Spain itself, anything became possible in the Indies and exploration began in earnest for further rich civilisations. 1522 The search for Perú begins  Pascual de Andagoya sailed along the coast of Colombia
and up the San Juan river in search of a tribe called Virú
or Birú (later altered to Perú).
He was unsuccessful and sold his ships to three partners: - Francisco Pizarro a citizen of Panama and experienced soldier - Diego de Almagro a citizen of Panama - Hernando de Luque – priest and agent for the group's financial backer, Judge Gaspar de Espinosa. Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro were to become key figures in the conquest of Peru and the subsequent civil wars. |
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