Ransom Room

The Ransom Room (El Cuarto del Rescate) is a small building located in Cajamarca, Peru.

At this point Pizarro and his forces decided to come out on horseback with firearms, causing many of Atahualpa's army to flee upon hearing the sounds of artillery and arquebus.

Atahualpa gave these orders, hoping to prevent Pizarro from carrying out his threat to "determine which of the two had best title to the sceptre of the Incas.

[2]: 183–184 The total collection of the gold, after being melted down into standard ingots, and before division amongst the Spaniards, amounted to 1,326,539 pesos de oro, worth 15,500,000 in 1847 U.S. dollars.

The twelve charges included usurpation of the crown, assassination of his brother Huáscar, squandering public revenues, idolatry, adultery, and attempting to incite an insurrection.

Father Vincente de Valverde signed the judgement stating, "in his opinion, the Inca, at all events, deserved death.

"[2]: 203 Two hours after sunset on 29 Aug. 1533, the Inca was prepared to be burned at the stake, when Friar Valverde offered death by garrote, if Atahualpa would consent to be baptized.

Exterior view of the building known as Ransom Room, in Cajamarca where the Inca Atahualpa was confined.
The Inca-Spanish confrontation in Cajamarca