"Atahualpa is garrotted by the orders of Piazzaro" De Bry 1596

Benzoni, an Italian, acted as a mediator between different nations. The work describes life of the first nations of Central America. Benzoni wrote at a time when the Spanish treatment of the Indians was a concern, and described the cruelty of the Spanish towards the Indians and African slaves - the famous "Black legend". The work is beautifully illustrated with engravings of the Native Americans and Spanish conquistadors. It including images of Nicaraguans dancing, how they held their markets, and made war, and of slaves being harshly treated.

The plate shows:

While Atahualpa was still held captive rumours spread that the Indians were planning a counter attack. De Soto tried to find out if there was any truth in them and, although no evidence was found, the rumours persisted. Almagro persuaded Pizarro that, without a leader the Incas were ineffectual and, in order that they remain so, Atahualpa should be killed. In 1533, on a trumped- up charge of conspiracy, the Inca King was found guilty and sentenced to death by strangulation. Black slaves who were working for the Spanish, acted as executioners.