Why did Pizarro and his forces attack the Inca and capture their emperor, Atahualpa?

Atahualpa refused to join forces with Spain.
Atahualpa would not accept Christianity.
The Inca empire held treasure that Pizarro wanted.
The Inca empire had little territory.

1 answer

Pizarro and his forces attacked the Inca Empire and captured Emperor Atahualpa primarily because the Inca empire held treasure that Pizarro wanted. The Spanish were motivated by the prospect of immense wealth, particularly gold and silver, which was abundant in the Inca Empire. Although Atahualpa's refusal to join forces with Spain and his religious beliefs were factors, the main driving force behind Pizarro's actions was the desire for riches.