This day in history

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro executes Atahuallpa, the last Incan emperor.

High in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the Inca built a dazzling civilization that thrived for three centuries. Although they had no writing system, they had an elaborate government, great public works and a brilliant agricultural system.

However, 180 Spanish conquistadors led by Pizarro destroyed the civilization. After winning Emperor Atahuallpa’s trust, Pizarro laid an ambush for the Inca leader and his army. Buckling under an assault by the terrifying Spanish artillery and cavalry, thousands of Incas were slaughtered. Pizarro imprisoned Atahuallpa, exacted a room full of gold as ransom for his life and then treacherously executed him.

A peaceful protest march in eastern Germany of left-wing groups against right-wing attacks on refugees in the country ends in violent clashes between the police and the protesters.

The first British troops arrive in the Koreas to bolster the United Nations force.

Denmark abandons its policy of co-operation with German invasion forces with the start of a popular uprising, which includes the scuttling of the remaining 30 ships of the Danish Navy.

Britain and China sign the Treaty of Nanking, ending the Opium War and leasing the Hong Kong territories to Britain.