Atahualpa

Hello! My name is Atahualpa. I was a prince who lived a long, long time ago in a land of tall, pointy mountains called the Andes. I loved the warm sun on my face and wearing clothes woven with all the colors of the rainbow. My father, Huayna Capac, was the great leader of our people, the Inca.

When my father went to live in the stars, my brother Huáscar and I both wanted to be the next leader. We had a big disagreement, but in the end, I became the Sapa Inca—the king! It was my job to take care of everyone in our big empire, and I promised to be strong and kind for my people.

One day, some strangers arrived. They came from far across the big blue water on giant boats. These men, led by Francisco Pizarro, wore shiny clothes that looked like metal and rode animals that were much bigger than our llamas. We met them in a town called Cajamarca on November 16th, 1532.

The strangers wanted our shiny gold and silver. I offered them a room full of treasure, hoping they would leave. But even after I gave it to them, they didn't let me go, and my time as a leader came to an end on July 26th, 1533. It was a sad day, but my story, and the story of the amazing Inca people and our cities in the clouds, is remembered forever. We were strong, and our spirit still lives in the mountains.