A quick one-shot image you guys might like...
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Zor
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In 1532 a small group of Spaniards led by Fransico Pizarro sailed south from Mexico hoping to recreate the success of Hernan Cortes and marched into the lands of Tawantinsuyu. Eventually Pizarro concocted a plan to capture the Sapa Inca. It failed. A decent chunk of his men were killed and rest were captured. Their leader died a short while afterwards from an infected wounds, but among the captives of his expedition were some individuals who's names were lost to history but knew how to ride horses and the basics of blacksmithing. It took several years, but Atahualpa was fascinated with it. Eventually they managed to put together a basic bloomery which could produce gobs of iron and they demonstrated the basics of bashing it into usable forms. By 1540, Iron tipped spears were being made and by 1550 iron tools were beginning to become common. Several other attempts by Spaniards were made to try to conquer Tawantinsuyu by a few other leaders, but these were repulsed as the standing orders for the men from across the sea was to meet them with force and were able to repulse them despite casualties inflicted by disease throughout the 16th century. The supply of horses spread less quickly, as they had to be captured or bred. Though the process was accelerated through trade with the Portuguese.
The introduction of Ironworking had a major impact on the Inca Economy as blacksmiths became full time retainers of the Sapa Inca (while most artisans mostly were independent save for their Mit'a commitments). This would eventually be loosened up as their numbers proliferated, but large numbers of the best blacksmiths would still work for the empire full time forging the best weapons, armor and tools. At the same time, there was also the birth of the Inca cavalry. While an army of tens of thousands of people levied into service was definitely formidable, a small column of horsemen could cover ground rapidly to respond to developments at a lower cost. This lead to the emegence of a class of retained cavalry armed with spear, bow, mace and eventually swords and a while after that matchlock firearms. Both of which would have considerable impact on the history of Tawantinsuyu, but would be critical in ensuring it's survival in subsequent centuries.
The introduction of Ironworking had a major impact on the Inca Economy as blacksmiths became full time retainers of the Sapa Inca (while most artisans mostly were independent save for their Mit'a commitments). This would eventually be loosened up as their numbers proliferated, but large numbers of the best blacksmiths would still work for the empire full time forging the best weapons, armor and tools. At the same time, there was also the birth of the Inca cavalry. While an army of tens of thousands of people levied into service was definitely formidable, a small column of horsemen could cover ground rapidly to respond to developments at a lower cost. This lead to the emegence of a class of retained cavalry armed with spear, bow, mace and eventually swords and a while after that matchlock firearms. Both of which would have considerable impact on the history of Tawantinsuyu, but would be critical in ensuring it's survival in subsequent centuries.
Zor
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