Diego de Almagro

Diego de Almagro (c. 1475 – July 8, 1538), also known as El Adelantado and El Viejo (The Elder), was a Spanish conquistador and a companion of Francisco Pizarro. He played a pivotal role in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, but is best known for his expeditions in Chile and the subsequent founding of the city that bears his name, Almagro.

Early Life

Diego de Almagro was born around 1475 in Almagro, Crown of Castile (present-day Spain), though the details of his early life are sparse. He was of humble origin, and it is believed that he was an illegitimate child. Almagro moved to Seville as a young man, where he eventually joined the expeditions to the New World.

Conquest of Peru

In the early 16th century, Almagro formed a partnership with Francisco Pizarro and Hernando de Luque to explore and conquer the southern part of the Inca Empire. This partnership, known as the "Capitulación de Toledo," granted them the rights to conquer Peru. Almagro played a crucial role in the expedition, including the capture of the Incan emperor Atahualpa in 1532, which marked a significant turning point in the conquest of Peru.

Expedition to Chile

Following the conquest of Peru, Almagro was awarded the governorship of Nueva Toledo, a large but vaguely defined territory south of Peru, which included most of what is now Chile. In 1535, he led an expedition to Chile in search of gold and other riches. The expedition was arduous, and Almagro and his men faced significant hardships, including resistance from the indigenous populations, extreme weather, and difficult terrain. Ultimately, the expedition failed to find the wealth Almagro had hoped for, and he returned to Peru in 1537.

Conflict with Pizarro

Upon his return to Peru, Almagro found himself in conflict with the Pizarros over the division of the conquered territories. This dispute led to the Battle of Las Salinas in 1538, where Almagro was defeated by forces loyal to Francisco Pizarro. He was captured and, despite attempts to negotiate for his life, was executed on July 8, 1538.

Legacy

Diego de Almagro is a controversial figure in the history of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. While he was undoubtedly a skilled military leader and played a significant role in the conquest of the Inca Empire, his legacy is also marked by his ruthless treatment of indigenous peoples and his part in the internal conflicts among the Spanish conquistadors. The city of Almagro in Chile and several other places are named in his honor, reflecting his impact on the history of South America.