Battle of Jaquijahuana
Sacsahuana, Cusco valley, Peru
What happened
Royal forces under Pedro de la Gasca, sent by Emperor Charles V, faced the rebel army of Gonzalo Pizarro. Gonzalo Pizarro had rebelled against the New Laws, Spanish rules meant to protect Indigenous people in Peru, and taken control of the colony. La Gasca arrived with almost no soldiers, cancelled the New Laws and won Pizarro's officers over by talking to them.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle ended the Revolt of the Encomenderos and restored royal control of Peru. La Gasca won mostly through diplomacy rather than fighting.
What came next
La Gasca pardoned most of the rebels and brought in rules against mistreatment of Indigenous people. Peru stayed a Spanish viceroyalty until the independence wars of the 1800s.
Did you know?
Pizarro's chief commander, Francisco de Carvajal, was known as the 'Demon of the Andes'.
Timeline
- May 1546La Gasca sails for Peru.
- 9 April 1548Battle of Jaquijahuana.
- 27 January 1550La Gasca leaves Peru.