JUNE 25, 1525

INCAN GENERAL RUMINAWI (UNDER ATAHUALPA) DIED

Born in Pillaro (now-Ecuador) in the 15^th century, his given name was Ati II Pillahuaso.  Taking the name Rumiñawi, meaning “Stone Face,” he was Emperor Atahualpa’s half-brother and general.  When Conquistador Francisco Pizarro imprisoned Atahualpa and held him for ransom, Rumiñawi was said to be leading an army either to ransom or rescue Atahualpa.  Based on this news, the Spaniards executed Atahualpa and headed to Quito for the reputed Treasure of Llanganatis.  It is believed that Rumiñawi ordered the Treasure thrown into a lake and had the city burnt to the ground.  Rumiñawi’s force met the Spaniards at the Battle of Mount Chimborazo, where Rumiñawi was defeated.  However, Quito’s treasures were gone.  Rumiñawi was eventually captured, tortured and killed by the Spanish but never revealed the location of the treasure.  In 1985, the Ecuadorian Congress made December 1st annually a day of remembrance for Rumiñawi as an indigenous hero and defender of the Kingdom of Quito. 

Source:  Rebecca M. Seamen, Conflict in the Early Americas: An Encyclopedia of the Spanish Empire’s Aztec, Incan, and Mayan Conquests (ABC-CLIO, 2013).  Retrieved 5/19/2020, Conflict in the Early Americas: An Encyclopedia of the Spanish Empire's ... - Google Books Y37_pAhVihHIEHQyxBSAQ6AEwGHoECAwQAQ#v=onepage&q=RUMINAHUI%20and%20atahualpa&f=false
Photo:  dimplemonkey on flikr.com, 12/16/2006.  Permissive Use.