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Inca Massacre Numbers Statistics

The estimated number of Incas killed during the Spanish conquest ranges from around 2 million to 15 million, with the most commonly cited figure being approximately 10 million.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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In this post, we examine the devastating impact of the Spanish conquest on the Inca Empire, focusing on the staggering numbers behind the tragic events known as the Inca massacre. From the immense population decline to the key battles and strategies employed by the Spanish conquistadors, the statistics paint a stark picture of the profound changes wrought upon the indigenous peoples of Peru during the 16th century.

Statistic 1

"The indigenous population of Peru declined by approximately 85% between the early 16th century and the 17th century."

Statistic 2

"Francisco Pizarro was assassinated by his own men in 1541."

Statistic 3

"The population of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest is estimated to have been around 10 to 12 million people."

Statistic 4

"During the Battle of Cajamarca in 1532, Francisco Pizarro and his men killed between 4,000 and 7,000 Incas."

Statistic 5

"Smallpox and other diseases brought by Europeans caused around 70% of the death toll among the Incas post-contact."

Statistic 6

"Pizarro received significant reinforcements and supplies from Spain in 1535."

Statistic 7

"The Inca road system spanned over 40,000 kilometers before the arrival of the Spanish."

Statistic 8

"The Inca Empire itself lasted from approximately 1438 to 1533."

Statistic 9

"The Spanish executed the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, in 1533 after capturing him at the Battle of Cajamarca."

Statistic 10

"The Spanish conquest led to the deaths of an estimated 6 to 8 million indigenous people."

Statistic 11

"The Inca Empire had a labor division system called mit'a, which was exploited by the Spanish for their means."

Statistic 12

"It is estimated that, within a century after the conquest, the Inca population had been reduced to less than a million."

Statistic 13

"The system of encomienda implemented by the Spanish drastically reduced the Inca population."

Statistic 14

"The Spanish established Lima as their colonial capital in 1535."

Statistic 15

"The treasure taken from the Inca by the Spanish is estimated to have been worth billions in today’s currency."

Statistic 16

"Archaeological evidence suggests that the Spanish introduced new agricultural techniques that altered traditional Inca farming."

Statistic 17

"The Inca capital of Cuzco was captured in November 1533."

Statistic 18

"The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire was completed by 1572, with the fall of the last stronghold at Vilcabamba."

Statistic 19

"The initial force led by Francisco Pizarro numbered only about 160 men."

Statistic 20

"Huascar and Atahualpa were involved in a civil war right before the Spanish arrival, weakening the Inca Empire."

Overall, the statistics surrounding the Inca massacre numbers paint a grim picture of the devastating impact of the Spanish conquest on the indigenous population of Peru. From the initial decline of the Inca Empire’s population by approximately 85% to the estimated deaths of millions of indigenous people due to warfare, disease, and exploitation, the numbers reveal a harrowing chapter in history. The ruthless tactics employed by the Spanish conquistadors, coupled with the introduction of deadly diseases and exploitative labor systems, led to a dramatic and rapid decimation of the once-thriving Inca civilization. The statistics underscore the profound and lasting repercussions of the Inca massacre, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and learning from this tragic period in human history.