An Account of the Conquest of Peru (eBook)

Pedro Sancho was an early Spanish chronicler and a secretary to Francisco Pizarro, the prominent conquistador responsible for the Spanish conquest of the Incan Empire. Little is known about Sancho's early life, including his birthplace and date. However, his works have earned him a modest niche in the annals of colonial literature. His most well-known work 'An Account of the Conquest of Peru' (Relación de la conquista del Perú) is an eyewitness testimony that provides a narrative about the events leading to the fall of the Incan Empire and the capture of its Emperor, Atahualpa. Sancho's literary style in the account is notably descriptive and factual, which lends an air of authenticity to his chronicles. As a participant in Pizarro's campaigns, his observations carry the weight of direct experience, although it is essential to approach them with an understanding of the potential biases of a loyal Spanish secretary. His writing provides not only a record of the conquest but also offers insights into the motivations, strategies, and emotions of the Spanish invaders, as well as valuable, albeit limited, glimpses into Incan society at a pivotal moment in its history. Despite Sancho's proximity to the events, his work is generally considered less comprehensive than those of other chroniclers such as Pedro Cieza de León or Garcilaso de la Vega. Nevertheless, 'An Account of the Conquest of Peru' remains an important resource for historians and scholars interested in the early Spanish conquests in the New World.