The Conquest of Peru refers to the Spanish invasion and subsequent takeover of the Inca Empire in the early 16th century. Led by Francisco Pizarro, Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1532, exploiting internal conflicts within the Inca society and capturing their leader, Atahualpa. This marked the beginning of Spanish dominance in the region. Following Atahualpa's capture and execution, the Spanish established control over key cities, including Cuzco, the Inca capital. The conquest resulted in significant cultural and economic changes, as the Spanish imposed their language, religion, and governance, leading to the eventual decline of the Inca civilization.