National Geographic Documentaries Season 2007 Episode 31 The Great Inca Rebellion

In this episode titled "The Great Inca Rebellion," viewers are taken back in time to the year 1532 when the mighty Inca Empire was at its peak in South America. Led by Emperor Atahualpa, the Inca people were flourishing with a well-established society, advanced architecture, and agriculture. But their peaceful existence was about to be disrupted by the arrival of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his army of soldiers.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Inca Empire and its rise to power. Viewers learn about how the Inca people believed that their Emperor was a god, and their strong belief in their religion and culture. The Empire had already overcome many challenges, including a civil war, and was a thriving society when the Spanish arrived on their shores.

The arrival of the Spanish in South America is then explored in detail. The documentary shows how the Spanish were looking for a new land that they could conquer and exploit. Pizarro was particularly interested in the gold and riches of the Inca Empire, and he believed that he could easily defeat them with his superior weapons and technology. We see footage of Pizarro's army, including horses, guns, and cannons, which were all new to the Inca people.

The Inca Emperor was initially hesitant about allowing the Spanish into his empire, but he eventually agreed to meet with them. Pizarro and his men took advantage of the Emperor's benevolence, and after they entered the capital city of Cusco, they took Atahualpa captive. In exchange for his release, the Emperor agreed to fill a large room with gold and silver. Once the room was filled, Pizarro had Atahualpa executed anyway.

The Inca people were outraged by the brutal treatment of their Emperor, and rebellion quickly spread throughout the empire. The documentary shows how the Inca warriors, using only their traditional weapons such as spears and slingshots, put up a fierce resistance against the Spanish. The rebellion was led by Atahualpa's brother, Manco Inca, who laid siege to the capital city of Cusco.

The Spanish garrison at Cusco was not prepared for such an attack, and they were forced to retreat to a small fort in the city. The Inca warriors, with their knowledge of the land, were able to launch a successful surprise attack on the fort, killing many of the Spanish soldiers. The documentary shows how the Inca rebels fought with a fierce determination to regain their land and their freedom.

The rebellion lasted for many years, and the documentary shows how the Inca people were able to adapt their tactics to the changing circumstances. They began to build underground tunnels and fortifications, making it difficult for the Spanish to attack them. There were also moments of treachery on both sides, with some Inca nobles betraying their own people and joining forces with the Spanish.

The episode highlights how the Inca warriors were able to hold out against the Spanish for so long, despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned. It also highlights the bravery and determination of the Inca people in their fight for freedom and independence.

Overall, "The Great Inca Rebellion" is a fascinating look at a little-known chapter in South American history. It provides a detailed account of the clash between two very different cultures, and how one group of people were able to resist the might of a foreign power. The documentary is well-researched and provides an accurate portrayal of the events that took place, with plenty of insights into the personalities and motivations of the people involved.