646. The Fall of the Incas: Death to the Emperor (Part 3)

The podcast explores the capture and eventual execution of Atahualpa by Francisco Pizarro and his conquistadors in 1533. It details Atahualpa's offer to fill a room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom, the Spanish perspective on this ransom, and Atahualpa's strategic motivations during his captivity, including his exploitation of the civil war context and targeting of rival factions. The discussion covers the Spanish perspective, including their paranoia and greed, and culminates in Atahualpa's trial and execution, highlighting the reactions of key figures like Hernando de Soto and Charles V. The hosts also touch on the cultural significance of gold for the Incas versus its monetary value for the Spanish.