The so-called
'Battle' of Cajamarca was the unexpected ambush and seizure of the
Inca ruler
Atahualpa by a small Spanish force led by
Francisco Pizarro, on November 16, 1532. The Spanish killed thousands of Atahualpa's counsellors, commanders and unarmed attendants in the great plaza of
Cajamarca, and caused his armed host outside the town to flee. The capture of Atahualpa marked the opening stage of the conquest of the
pre-Columbian Inca civilization of Peru.