I'm reading a book about the last days of the Incas, called, oddly enough, "The Last Days of the Incas"

Posted on August 12, 2026 at 09:03:59 PM by Damaniac (edited August 12, 2026 at 09:09:06 PM)

Conceptually, I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that, pre-gun powder, a huge advantage in numbers wouldn't be decisive even given disparities in arms, armor, tactics, organization, and training. Obviously it isn't: see also any number of failed peasant uprisings.

But the Spanish have like 50 guys on horseback (and, to be fair, Indian auxiliaries) against thousands. And...nothing. they got some bruises and wounds. And eventually the Inca develop some tactical improvements that allow them to overwhelm small isolated forces. But they cannot make their numbers decisive, even in the evolutionary crucible that is war.

It just feels like you should be able to take down a horse. Again, I know history shows that in fact cavalry is pretty fucking good at least until there are actually decent guns and cannon. It just doesn't feel like it should be.

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Thread:

I'm reading a book about the last days of the Incas, called, oddly enough, "The Last Days of the Incas" - By Damaniac August 12, 2026 at 09:03:59 PM
- Great The Rest Is History podcast about that. The funny thing is how divided the Incans were themselves and thought they would use the Spanish to defeat their rivals. Oops.* - By Alpo August 12, 2026 at 09:14:13 PM
  - The fact everyone here seems to love The Rest is History makes me feel lame for liking it* - By Poster P August 13, 2026 at 12:28:32 AM
  - Yeah, that inspired me to pick up the book.* - By Damaniac August 12, 2026 at 09:21:12 PM

The Victors

I'm reading a book about the last days of the Incas, called, oddly enough, "The Last Days of the Incas"