Francisco Pizarro

Conquered Inca Empire

Early Modern influential 96 sayings

Sayings by Francisco Pizarro

Let us pray to God for victory.

1530s — A common invocation before battle.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have come to bring the light of Christ to these heathens.

1530s — A religious justification for his conquests.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My life has been a struggle, and so it shall end.

1541 — A fatalistic view of his existence, embracing his violent destiny.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will show them what a true Spaniard is.

1530s — A boastful statement of his national pride and martial prowess.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let them come, for I am ready.

1541 — A defiant challenge to his enemies.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no master but God and the King.

1530s — A declaration of his ultimate loyalties, emphasizing his independence.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To the victors belong the spoils.

1532 — A classic statement justifying his plunder and conquest.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will not rest until I have achieved my goal.

1520s — A testament to his relentless ambition.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

This land is ours by right of discovery.

1530s — A common legalistic justification for colonial expansion.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will leave my mark on this world.

1530s — An expression of his desire for lasting fame and legacy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A man must be bold to achieve greatness.

1530s — A reflection of his own daring and audacious approach.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have faced many dangers, and I have overcome them all.

1530s — A statement of his resilience and confidence in his abilities.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us offer them peace, but be ready for war.

1532 — A pragmatic approach to diplomacy, always prepared for conflict.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The riches of this land are beyond imagination.

1532 — Expressing his astonishment and greed for the Inca Empire's wealth.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will not betray my king, nor my God.

1530s — A declaration of loyalty, even as his actions were often self-serving.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My destiny is to conquer this empire.

1530s — A belief in his predetermined role in history.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us make haste, for time is gold.

1530s — A practical and mercenary approach to his expeditions.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have not come here for such reasons. I have come to take away their gold.

c. 1532 — Reported response to a friar or others, indicating his primary motivation for the conquest.
Controversial Unverifiable

Do not take it as an insult that you have been defeated and taken prisoner… I have conquered greater kingdoms than yours, and have defeated other more powerful lords than you, imposing upon them the dominion of the Emperor, whose vassal I am, and who is King of Spain and of the universal world. We come to conquer this land by his command, that all may come to a knowledge of God, and of His Holy Catholic Faith… in order that you may know him, and come out from the bestial and diabolical life you lead…

1532 — Addressing Inca Emperor Atahualpa after his capture at Cajamarca.
Controversial Unverifiable

There lies Peru with its riches; here, Panama and its poverty. Choose, each man, what best becomes a brave Castilian.

1531 — Speech to his men before invading Peru
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable