Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa

Única parte de un ambicioso proyecto nacido de la necesidad de justificar las "razones" de la conquista del imperio incaico, y surgido por la Visita General (1570-1575) decretada por el virrey Toledo. Se escribio basandose en una encuesta entre indigenas ancianos de reconocida autoridad y sabiduria, y entre los supervivientes españoles de las primeras conquistas. A pesar del lastre ideologico que marca su nacimiento, su valor historiografico ha ido acrecentandose desde de su publicacion, tres siglos despues de haber sido escrita.

In "History of the Incas," Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa offers a comprehensive chronicle of the Incan civilization, weaving together historical narrative, cultural analysis, and firsthand observations garnered during his time in Peru. His work is distinguished by a meticulous approach that blends autobiography with ethnography, creating a vivid portrait of Incan society, religion, and politics prior to and following the Spanish conquest. Sarmientos literary style mirrors the Renaissance humanist tradition, characterized by a quest for knowledge and an emphasis on classical rhetoric, which serves to elevate the historical significance of his subject matter while positioning the Incas as a noble culture worthy of greater understanding in the broader context of European explorations and colonization. Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa was a sixteenth-century Spanish historian and navigator whose experiences in the New World deeply influenced his narrative perspective. His intimate encounters with Incan culture and Spanish colonial governance, coupled with his role as a key figure in early colonial administration, provided him with unique insights into the socio-political dynamics at play. Sarmientos dual identity as both a colonizer and an observer affords him a complex viewpoint that enriches the text, offering readers a glimpse into the often conflicting worlds of indigenous and European societies. This seminal work is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Andean history. SarmientoAos detailed observations and keen intellect illuminate the intricacies of Incas life and contribute to our understanding of the cultural legacies that persist today. Engage with this essential text to appreciate the depth of indigenous wisdom and the consequences of colonial encounters.

In "History of the Incas," Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of the Inca Empire, weaving a narrative that combines firsthand observations with extensive historical research. Written during the late 16th century, this work illuminates the complexities of Incan society, governance, and culture, set against the backdrop of Spanish conquests. Sarmientos distinctive literary style blends anecdotal richness with an analytical framework, providing a nuanced understanding of both pre-Columbian life and the transformative effects of European colonization. His account stands as a foundational text in the study of Andean history, characterized by a detailed description of the rituals, architecture, and mores of the Incas, enriched by his own experiences as a colonial administrator and scholar. Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa was not merely an external observer but deeply engaged with the cultures he documented. Born in Spain and later serving in the New World, Sarmientos professional background as a navigator and historian profoundly influenced his insights into the complexities of the Incan civilization. His interactions with indigenous populations and his willingness to record their languages and customs underscore his dual role as both observer and participant in a rapidly changing world. For readers intrigued by the interplay of history, culture, and colonialism, "History of the Incas" offers a riveting exploration. Sarmientos illuminating narrative invites historians, anthropologists, and general readers alike to understand the Inca Empire in its full splendor and inevitable decline, making it a vital addition to any library dedicated to South American history.

History of the Incas is a work by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa. It details the origins, myths and wars of the Incan Empire as a reading preparation for Phillip II.

Primary source of information on pre-Conquest Incan history, traditions and chronology gives full details of ceremonies, festivals and religious beliefs and provides detailed accounts of the origin of the Incas, ancient systems of land division, early settlements, biographical sketches of rulers, arrival of the Spaniards, execution of the last Inca emperor, and much more..

En 1581, la Corona de España se propone uno de los proyectos defensivos más ambiciosos de su tiempo: la fortificación del estrecho de Magallanes. Para ello, Felipe II ordenó la preparación, en los puertos de Sevilla y Cadiz, de una flota de 23 naves y casi 2.000 personas a cargo del general Diego Flores de Valdes. La "Sumaria relacion" es la memoria redactada por el gobernador del estrecho de Magallanes, Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, sobre esta infeliz expedicion.