Some of the most important battles in history, the ones that change the course of

civilizations, are often very small battles.

In 1532, a battle, really just a skirmish,

took place which completely changed the future paths of Peru, Spain, and

the entire continent of South America.

Despite the importance of this battle, few people have ever even heard of it.

Learn more about the Battle of Kahamarka and how it changed the shape of the world on this episode

of Everything Everywhere Daily. The I'm guessing that most of you listening to this are not familiar with the Battle of

Kahamarka. However, you should be. By the end of this episode, I hope you have an appreciation for the event

that took place almost 500 years ago and how it shaped the world in ways that still can be felt today.

The year 1532 was 40 years after Columbus arrived in the Americas.

Spain had established a foothold in the new world.

Her non-Cortez had conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico.

Spain had major ports in the Caribbean, and had begun the takeover of Central America.

However, at this point, they still hadn't conquered what would be perhaps their most lucrative colony, Peru.

Peru was further away than Mexico or the islands in the Caribbean, which could be accessed directly

by ship from Spain.

It was in the Andes Mountains and had to be accessed by land or at least by ship from the Pacific

coast.

Peru at the time was ruled by the Incan Empire.

The Incas were not an ancient empire at that time. It was established in the 13th century

in the Peruvian highlands around the city of Kusko. According to Incan mythology, the first

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