The treasures of Montezuma, Atahualpa, Kapak
The treasures of Montezuma, Atahualpa, Kapak have long been troubling the minds of scientists and seekers. In reality, treasures of Latin American peoples - the Aztecs, the Incas, the Maya , associated with the names of Montezuma, Atahualpa, Kapak and other rulers - there is no doubt about it: this is not only talked about legends, but also historical documents. The ancient inhabitants of Latin America gold was considered a sacred metal, symbol of the sun god. Huge amounts of precious metal accumulated among the leaders, priests and similar high-ranking officials. The temples were the original repositories of gold in these countries: the ceiling of one of them was strewn with delicate golden stars, golden dragonflies, butterflies, birds that, like weightless, soared above people and were so magnificent that their beauty aroused awe of all those who got into the temple.
Stepping at the beginning of the 16th century on the shores of the American continent, the Spaniards and Portuguese experienced, at the sight of glittering gold masterpieces, no trembling at all, but an avid desire to immediately take them to their hands. The conquistadors never dreamed of the fabulous treasures that they had before them in the land of America. The Aborigines were ready to generously share their wealth with the guests: when in 1519 Hernan Cortes crossed the ocean and landed in the Mexican port of Veracruz, the Indians, who did not suspect what a sad fate the white foreigner had prepared for them, presented him with a gift, besides many ornaments, two huge disks the size of the wheel of the cart - gold and silver, symbolizing the sun and the moon. But Cortes and his henchmen appeared to be modest in such gifts, and they began to rob everything, showing at the same time cruelty and perfidy. When the Aztecs began to understand the true goals of the "friendly visit" of the overseas visitors, they hastened to hide the remaining uncollected gold and silver. At that time, numerous legends about the hidden treasures of the last ruler of the Aztecs of Montezuma were born. The location of these treasures is still unknown, and the army of seekers of happiness so far has to settle for only fragments of the legendary wealth, which from time to time can be found in different parts of Mexico.
No less legends and tales concerning treasures, is associated with the name of another Latin American ruler of the times of the conquistador - the leader of the Inca Atahualpa. When in the early 30s of the 16th century one of the leaders of the Spanish invasion of Francisco Pizarro arrived on the Inca land, internecine wars were going on there. In itself, the appearance of strangers at first did not foreshadow the Indians any ills. On the contrary, their ruler, the Great Inka Atahualpa, decided that the gods themselves had come to help him victoriously to end the war against the alleged brother of Huaskar.
Pizarro invited the Great Inca to a feast, supposedly in his honor. Nothing suspecting Atahualpa arrived at the celebrations on a golden stretcher, decorated with colorful feathers. Neither he nor his retinue were armed. This is what the cunning conqueror was counting on. At his signal the Spaniards attacked the Incas, killed the entire suite, and captured the leader himself. After holding Atahualpa for several days in custody, Pizarro promised him freedom, if he poured gold into the large room in which he was imprisoned for two months, to the height of his raised hand. The great Inka agreed to this fantastic ransom. Throughout the country, the messengers of Atahualpa were sent out, and soon a string of porters, bent under the weight of golden vessels, statuettes, ornaments and other items, was pulled to the place of his captivity. A pile of gold grew, and yet, when the appointed time had expired, the room was not yet filled to the required height. Although the Inca leader asked Pizarro to wait a little longer, he decided to execute him, because, according to the conquistadors, the Great Inca, being at large, could become a dangerous opponent for them. At this time on the road there were thousands of caravans of lamas laden with gold. The Incas hurried to redeem their ruler, but upon learning of his execution, they hid their precious cargo somewhere high in the mountains. Among other treasures from the hands of the conquerors escaped a huge gold chain, manufactured by the order of Ataualpa's father, Wine Kapak. Where are they - these piles of gold and silver, which went down in history as Atahualpa's treasures?
