The Pizarro victory at Las Salinas ended the civil war between rival conquistadors, securing control of Cuzco and leading to Almagro's execution.
Key Facts
- Date
- April 26, 1538
- Duration
- Approximately one hour
- Outcome
- Pizarro forces victorious; Cuzco taken
- Almagro's fate
- Captured in battle, executed July 1538
- Almagro's lieutenant
- Rodrigo Orgóñez killed on the field
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Spanish conquest of Peru, rival conquistadors Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro and Diego de Almagro both claimed authority under the Spanish Crown. Pizarro controlled the province of Nueva Castilla while Almagro held Nueva Toledo, and tensions over dominion escalated into open military conflict.
On April 26, 1538, the forces of Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro clashed with those of Diego de Almagro near Cuzco. After roughly an hour of intense fighting, the Pizarro faction routed their opponents. Almagro was captured and his lieutenant Rodrigo Orgóñez was killed on the battlefield.
The Pizarro victory allowed them to seize Cuzco and consolidate control over Peru. Diego de Almagro, held captive after the battle, was tried and executed in July 1538, effectively ending the immediate civil conflict between the two conquistador factions.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Hernando Pizarro, Gonzalo Pizarro.
Side B
1 belligerent
Diego de Almagro, Rodrigo Orgóñez.