When you attend Spanish school in Peru, at some point during your studies you will likely hear about the Incan Empire. The reason that this time period is so important is that it was the largest pre-Columbian empire. You will see many remnants if you learn Spanish in Cusco, because the headquarters of the empire was located right in this city.
In 1526 the Spanish conquistadors reached Inca territory. After witnessing the wealth amassed by the Incans, Francisco Pizarro, who was the leader of this group, requested approval to conquer this region. His aim was to become the viceroy. The queen approved his request.
Fortunately for Pizarro, there were some factors that had weakened the empire including smallpox and a war between two ruling brothers. Even though Pizarro only had 168 men, he prevailed due to the superiority of his weaponry. He also amassed allies in the form of people native to the region who wanted to see the Incaempire overthrown.
In about 1572, the Inca empire no longer had any strongholds. The current ruler who was Tupac Amaru was killed and there was no longer any resistance to Spanish authority. The Spaniards destroyed a great deal of the Incaculture. They also forced one person from every family to work in the mines. Unfortunately, smallpox ran rampant in the 1500’s and killed a large percentage of the population. Other diseases were brought by the Spanish and including Typhus, influenza, diphtheria and measles.
Tupac Amaru was killed by invading Spaniards, which only aided the fall of the Inca culture and peoples.