The Tears Of The Incas by Lillian Estelle Fisher Essay Example

the mines during the colonial era. The Spanish began to mistreat the natives to such an extent that even the priests--the protectors of the Incas--became oppressors. One priest in Quito was reported to have collected 200 sheep, 4,000 guinea pigs, 6,000 chickens, and 50,000 eggs annually, giving him an annual income of between 700 and 5,000 to 6,000 pesos.

The Incas were faced with numerous financial burdens, including high charges for burial services that resulted in Pope Paul V issuing a decree against the service providers. Additionally, the Incas were required to pay Spanish taxes and their debts to the Mita, which were often difficult to manage. Failure to pay these debts often meant being forced into servitude as a means of repayment. In fact, around Lake Titicaca alone, approximately 60,000 Indians were made into domestic servants due to their inability to pay their debts.

Lillian Fisher recorded the cruel mistreatment of Jose Gabriel Tupac Ameru, who was a leader in the rebellion. He had to witness six male prisoners being hanged and two females being strangled with iron collars before he was executed himself. Moreover, his family members, including his wife, son, uncles, and in-laws were killed too. His torment continued as he had his tongue cut off and was tied to four horses that pulled him apart limb by limb.

Despite his strong build, he was eventually decapitated and dismembered, with his limbs scattered across Peru as a message to potential rebels against the Spanish. The Incas were forced to resist due to their mistreatment and enslavement by the conquerors, who viewed them as mere household workers because of their intense suffering.

By executing the

rebel leader and his family, the Spanish demonstrated their cruelty. In addition, the Incas received no assistance from the king due to the Corregidors' greed. Therefore, the Spanish invasion and conquest of native lands were unjustifiable.