Driven by ambition and greed; or in quest of prestige and glory; or searching for a unique brand of personal fulfilment; they deserted their homelands to make journeys never before achieved.
9: The Story of Francisco Pizarro who led his Conquistadors into Peru in 1532 and destroyed the Inca civilisation.
Written by IAN THORNE
Introduced by David Attenborough from the Royal Geographical Society, London
All his life he had dreamed of striking it rich. Now in his mid-50s, Francisco Pizarro grabbed at what looked like his last chance to gain power, prestige and gold. There were rumours that on the western side of South America there was a kingdom stuffed with jewels and precious metal. With a small band of armed men Pizarro left Panama to find it. By the time he returned he was one of the richest men in the world. Behind him the Inca Empire of the Sun God lay in ruins.
Director FRED BURNLEY
Producer MICHAEL LATHAM
(Repeated: Thursday, 8.10 pm)