From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #49

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
49. If the Spaniards failed to find Machu Picchu, perhaps it's because they were distracted by their desire for the spoils of war, which is partly what led to disagreements between Diego de Almargo and Francisco and Hernando Pizarro.

Researchers have found the name Machupicchu written all as one word referenced in books in the Cusco Monastaries dating back to the 1500's.  There were also legal papers filled in which the descendants of Pachacuti sought the return of family lands including a retreat called Picchu.  Yet it is unknown if anyone visited the city or just knew of its exsistance.

100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #48

The Capture of Diego de Almagro

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
48. Francisco Pizaro was killed by the son and supporters of his partner, Diego de Almagro, who had been executed by Pizarro's brother, Hernando.

The execution of Almagro there was much infighting within the Spanish Court.  Hernando returned to Spain to gain aid for the Pizzaro side.  He was imprisoned for 20 years for his part of the tretchery in the new world.  Upon his release he married Francisca Pizarro Yupanqui the daughter of Francisco Pizarro and his Inca mistress Ines Yupanqui.

From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #46

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor

46. In 1533, Atahuallpa was executed, and explorer Francisco Pizaro began his march to Cuzco.

From the history of Cusco ...

With the empire sharply divided and without a leader to take on the Spanish. On July 26, 1533 Pizaro executed Atahulpa, the last of the great Incas in Cajamarca.

From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #45

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor

45. Amazingly, Francisco Pizaro's men, who numbered less than 200, overcame 4,000 or so Incans and captured Atahuallpa, the Incan ruler.

from the history of Cusco ...

To gain his freedom the great Inca agreed to pay the Spanish a ransom of gold and silver filling a large room 22 x 17 feet once with gold and twice with silver. Gold and silver flowed from throughout the kingdom many of the statues from Cusco were sent to pay the ransom. Atahulpa learned that the Spanish wished to see Huascar, fearing the Spanish would make a deal with his brother, Atahulpa ordered Huacar and his family executed.

From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #44

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
44. In November 1530, Francisco Pizaro and Atahulpa, the Incan ruler, were to meet in Cajamarca, an Incan city in northern Peru.  Pizaro told Atahualpa to give hiself to Christ and the Spanards, and when he refused, Pizaro decided to attack.

from the history of Cusco...

On their third voyage south, Francisco Pizaro landed near modern day Piura on the northern coast of Peru near the boarder of Ecuador.  Herando de Soto was dispatched to explore the new lands within a few days he returned with an envoy from Atahulpa himself along with some presents with the invitation for a meeting with the strangers.

A Spanish group of less than 200 set out for Cajamarca where Atahulpa was resting after the lengthy war with his brother. The Spanish arrived and laid a trap. The Incas who were camped near a hill by the hot springs were requested to meet Pizaro in town the following day. Arriving late the following afternoon Atahulpa was met by a friar who he refused to accept Catholicism the Spanish sprang the trap. The meager Spanish forces defeated the some 80,000 Incas, and captured Atahulpa.