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Atahualpa Inca (?-1533)  "Atahualpa was a man of thirty years of age, of good appearance and manner, although somewhat thick-set. He had a large face, handsome and fierce, his eyes reddened with blood. He spoke with much gravity, as a great ruler. He made very lively arguments: when the Spaniards understood them they realised that he was a wise man. He was a cheerful man, although unsubtle. When he spoke to his own people he was incisive and showed no pleasure". (Francisco de Xerez)Atahualpa was the second eldest surviving son of Inca Huayna Capac. At the time of his father's death, Atahualpa was governing the northern part of the empire. He refused requests from his brother Huascar to return to Cuzco, rightly fearing treachery, but remained in the north with his generals Chalcuchima, Quisquis and Rumiñavi. Atahualpa was ultimately victorious in the civil war that ensued, though he himself was captured at one point. Having won the civil war, Atahualpa was left to face the approaching Spaniards and determine an appropriate response. His council discussed destroying the invaders immediately but decided it was "folly to be concerned over 170 men" and agreed to have them seized upon their arrival in Cajamarca. Opinion was divided over whether the Spaniards were viracochas ("gods") or quitas pumarangra ("leaderless people wandering about and thieving"). Atahualpa was captured by the Spanish and attempted to redeem his life with a vast ransom payment. He survived for over a year in captivity, honouring his part of the ransom agreement, before the conquistadors found it expedient to accuse him of encouraging rebellion and had him garroted in the main square of Cajamarca. |  |
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