In the Land of Poisoned Arrows

Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of Peru

by Frederick A. OBER (1849 - 1913)

Francisco Pizarro (1471 - 1541) was born into poverty, the illegitimate son of a Spanish soldier. After a brief career as a swineherd, he volunteered to join an expedition to the colony of Darien in Panama. He rose through the ranks to become right hand man of the governor. After hearing rumours of a rich country of gold to the south, he received permission from the king of Spain to lead an expedition to explore and attempt to conquer the Peruvian empire. This biography describes how, with an army of only 168 men, he was able to subjugate an entire nation. - Summary by Patrick Eaton

Listen next episodes of Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of Peru:
A Glance at the Peruvians , A March to the Mountains , An Appeal to the Crown , How Atahuallpa was Captured , How Pizarro was Assassinated , In the City of the Sun , In the Heart of Peru , In the Inca's Stronghold , On the Peruvian Frontier , Quarrels of the Conquerors , Sailing the Unknown Sea , Success in Sight at Last , The Desperate Adventurer , The Downfall of Almagro , The Inca and his Murderers , The Inca Raises his Standard , The Prisoner and his Ransom , With Balboa in Darien