Cajamarca has been inhabited for over 3,000, initially by the Huacaloma, Layzón, Cumbemayo and Otuzco groups, and later, between 500 AD and 1000 AD by the Caxamarca people. During the reign of the Inca Pachacuteq, around 1450, the Inca's brother, Capac Yupanqui, conquered and annexed the area and it became an integral part of the Inca empire, becoming one its largest cities.
Cajamarca played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Incas, and it was here that in 1532 Francisco Pizarro captured the Inca Atahualpa, and held him prisoner demanding vast quantities of gold in exchange for his release. The Incas complied with the request, and gold and silver from all over the empire was brought to Cajamarca, filling the notorious ransom room. When the Spanish demands for treasure had been met, fearing the Incas, Pizarro executed Atahualpa.
Today, Cajamarca is an agricultural centre, and produces some fine cheeses. It is also a popular destination with visitors to the north of Peru, and in 1986, Cajamarca was declared a Historical and Cultural Heritage Site of the Americas by the Organisation of American States. One of South America?s largest goldmines, Yanacocha, is nearby.
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