The End of an Empire - Vocabulary Booster

Pizarro, the cunning conquistador, demanded a ransom for the captured Atahualpa, asking for a room filled with gold to the height of a man’s shoulder. Despite being seen as an exaggeration, the Incas, eager to rescue their revered ruler, immediately began collecting the ransom. Pizarro, without hesitation, executed Atahualpa as soon as he had the gold in his possession.

The death of Atahualpa did not mean the end of resistance from the Inca Empire, as they continued to fight in his name for several years. However, the Spanish conquerors, equipped with superior weapons, eventually overpowered the Incas. The Spanish adopted a policy of genocide, leading to the deaths of most of the proud people of the Inca civilization. The end of the Inca Empire marked the end of an ancient civilization, a saga of power and conquest.

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cunning
conquistador
demanded
exaggeration
eager
revered
ransom
conqueror
genocide
saga

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Cunning: Cunning refers to having or showing skillful deceit or craftiness in order to achieve one’s goals or deceive others. It implies a clever and strategic approach to achieving desired outcomes.
Conquistador: Conquistador refers to a Spanish conqueror or explorer who played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of the Americas, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Demanded: Demanded means to insist on or request something forcefully or with authority. It implies a strong and assertive request or requirement.
Exaggeration: Exaggeration refers to the act of making something appear larger, more important, or more intense than it actually is. It involves overemphasizing or overstating certain aspects for emphasis or effect.
Eager: Eager describes a feeling of enthusiasm, excitement, or readiness to do or experience something. It implies a strong desire or willingness to participate or engage in a particular activity.
Revered: Revered means to be highly respected, admired, or honored. It suggests a deep sense of admiration and reverence for someone or something.
Ransom: Ransom refers to a sum of money or payment demanded or paid in exchange for the release of a captive or the return of something that has been taken or held hostage.
Conqueror: Conqueror refers to a person who successfully overcomes or defeats an enemy or obstacle, often by force. It implies achieving victory or dominance over a particular situation or territory.
Genocide: Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination or destruction of a particular ethnic, racial, or religious group. It involves the intentional killing or elimination of a large number of individuals based on their group identity.
Saga: Saga refers to a long and detailed story or account, often involving heroic or epic events. It implies a narrative that spans a significant period of time and is often passed down through generations.

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cunning: licik
conquistador: penakluk
demanded: menuntut
exaggeration: melebih-lebihkan
eager: bersemangat
revered: dihormati
ransom: tebusan
conqueror: penakluk
genocide: genosida
saga: kisah epik

The Machiavellian Pizarro held the captured Atahualpa for ransom. He was adamant about receiving a room filled with gold to the height of a man’s shoulder. This was initially taken as hyperbole, but Pizarro knew the gullible Incas would be munificent when rescuing their sacred ruler. They did not procrastinate, and a frenetic collection of gold took place. Pizarro, to whom prevarication was natural in dealing with the Incas, had no qualms about executing their ruler as soon as he had the gold. The Inca Empire was moribund, but the charisma surrounding Atahualpa was such that, after his death, the Incas fought on tenaciously in his name for several years. Eventually, superior weapons quelled all opposition. The Spanish conquerors adopted a policy of genocide, and most of these proud people died in the carnage which followed. The saga of an ancient civilization thus came to an end.

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adamant
hyperbole
gullible
munificent
sacred
ruler
procrastinate
frenetic
prevarication
qualms
moribund
charisma
tenaciously
quelled
genocide
carnage
saga
came to an end

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Adamant: Adamant describes a firm and unwavering determination or refusal to change one’s mind or opinion. It implies being resolute and unyielding in one’s beliefs or decisions.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally. It involves using extravagant or over-the-top language for emphasis or dramatic effect.
Gullible: Gullible describes a tendency to believe or trust others too easily, often without questioning or critically evaluating the information or intentions presented. It implies being easily deceived or misled.
Munificent: Munificent describes someone who is extremely generous or liberal in giving or bestowing gifts, favors, or resources. It suggests a willingness to give abundantly or in a grand manner.
Sacred: Sacred refers to something that is regarded as holy, divine, or spiritually significant. It is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and practices and carries a sense of reverence and respect.
Ruler: Ruler can have multiple meanings. It can refer to a person who holds a position of authority or power, such as a monarch or a political leader. It can also refer to a measuring instrument used for drawing straight lines.
Procrastinate: Procrastinate means to delay or postpone tasks or actions, often out of a tendency to avoid or put off doing them. It implies a tendency to prioritize other activities or to leave things until the last minute.
Frenetic: Frenetic describes a state of frantic or chaotic activity, often characterized by excessive energy, excitement, or agitation. It suggests a fast-paced and intense level of movement or behavior.
Prevarication: Prevarication refers to the act of deliberately avoiding or evading the truth, often by providing misleading or ambiguous statements. It implies a tendency to be dishonest or to withhold information.
Qualms: Qualms refers to feelings of doubt, unease, or hesitation, especially when considering or contemplating a particular action, decision, or moral dilemma. It suggests a sense of moral or ethical conflict.
Moribund: Moribund describes something that is in a state of decline, stagnation, or near-death. It implies a lack of vitality or activity and suggests that something is coming to an end or no longer viable.
Charisma: Charisma refers to a compelling or attractive quality that inspires devotion, loyalty, or enthusiasm in others. It implies a magnetic or captivating charm that influences and attracts people.
Tenaciously: Tenaciously describes the quality of being persistent, determined, or unwilling to give up. It suggests a firm and resolute attitude in pursuing goals or overcoming obstacles.
Quelled: Quelled means to suppress, extinguish, or pacify something, often a feeling, emotion, or disturbance. It implies bringing something under control or subduing it.
Genocide: Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination or destruction of a particular ethnic, racial, or religious group. It involves the intentional killing or elimination of a large number of individuals based on their group identity.
Carnage: Carnage refers to the widespread and bloody slaughter or destruction, often resulting from a violent event or conflict. It implies a scene of mass killing or devastation.
Saga: Saga refers to a long and detailed story or account, often involving heroic or epic events. It implies a narrative that spans a significant period of time and is often passed down through generations.
Came to an end: This phrase indicates that something has reached its conclusion or finished. It suggests that a particular event, process, or period of time has come to a close.