Battle of Las Salinas
Cachipampa salt flats, south of Cusco, Peru
What happened
Spanish conquistador forces led by Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro fought the forces of Diego de Almagro under Rodrigo Orgóñez. The conquerors of Peru, Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro, fell out over who should rule the city of Cusco. Their armies met near old salt mines about 5 km south of the city. After about an hour, Almagro's infantry broke and scattered, and Almagro was captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Both sides claimed to act for the Spanish king, and the battle decided who would control Cusco. It was part of a civil war among the Spanish conquerors of Peru.
What came next
Almagro was put to death in July 1538. After Francisco Pizarro fell in 1541, Almagro's son was proclaimed governor of Peru, but he lost the Battle of Chupas in 1542.
Did you know?
Almagro had earlier captured Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro but let them go, hoping to reach an agreement.
Timeline
- 3 July 1535Almagro leaves Cusco for Chile.
- 12 July 1537Almagro wins at Abancay.
- 26 April 1538The Pizarros win at Las Salinas.
- 26 June 1541Francisco Pizarro falls.
- 16 September 1542Almagro's son is defeated at Chupas.