Exploration: To lead an expedition to explore the western coast of South America, which was largely uncharted at the time, and to search for potential wealth, resources, and opportunities for colonization.
Incan Riches: The main focus of the expedition was to find and conquer the powerful Inca Empire, widely believed to be immensely wealthy due to its rich deposits of gold, silver, and other treasures. Pizarro aimed to subjugate the Inca and claim their lands for Spain.
Glory and Wealth: Like many conquistadors of the time, Pizarro was driven by personal ambitions for fame, glory, and wealth. He hoped to gain prominence and rewards from the Spanish Crown by successfully conquering and exploiting the Inca's resources.
Spread of Christianity: As a devout Catholic, Pizarro also envisioned spreading Christianity to the indigenous peoples he encountered during his journey. Conversion was often seen as a justification for conquest and domination.
Expansion of Spanish Empire: Pizarro's expedition was part of a broader Spanish campaign to expand their colonial empire and establish new sources of wealth and power in the Americas.
It is important to note that Pizarro's journey and the subsequent Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire had far-reaching and often devastating consequences for the indigenous peoples of South America, resulting in the loss of millions of lives, destruction of native civilizations, and the establishment of harsh colonial rule.