Francisco Pizarro

Conquered Inca Empire

Early Modern influential 96 sayings

Sayings by Francisco Pizarro

Their gold is mine by right of conquest.

1533 — Defending plunder
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If they resist, kill them all; God will know his own.

1532 — Order to troops
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have made kings into my servants.

1534 — Boasting after conquest
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Their temples are full of gold, but their souls are empty.

1533 — Criticizing Inca religion
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I fear no man, only poverty.

1530 — Personal motto
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

They are sheep to be sheared.

1532 — Referring to indigenous peoples
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Gold is the blood of this land, and I will drain it dry.

1531 — Vow to exploit Peru
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I did not come to trade, but to take.

1532 — Rejecting diplomacy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Their king is dead; long live Spain.

1533 — After Atahualpa’s execution
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I care not for their tears, only their gold.

1534 — Response to indigenous suffering
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

They are not men, but beasts to be broken.

1532 — Justifying brutality
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will make this land a grave or a treasury.

1532 — Ultimatum to Inca leaders
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Their gods are silent, but my sword speaks loudly.

1533 — After destroying Inca idols
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather be feared than loved.

1535 — Political strategy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There is no room for cowards on this enterprise.

c. 1520s-1530s — Attributed statement reflecting his leadership style and the demands of his expeditions, particularl…
Philosophical Unverifiable

Better to die than to turn back.

c. 1527 — Attributed statement of resolve, often associated with his determination during difficult expedition…
Philosophical Unverifiable