The Execution of Atahualpa

On August 29, 1533, Atahualpa was executed by strangulation at the hands of the Spanish. The method of execution was chosen to prevent his body from being burned, as the Incas believed that cremation would prevent the soul from reaching the afterlife. Atahualpa's death signified the end of the Inca Empire's sovereignty and the beginning of Spanish

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The Last Days of the Incas: The Fall of an Empire

Introduction The Inca Empire, once the largest civilization in pre-Columbian America, spanned vast territories along the western coast of South America, encompassing parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Renowned for its advanced agricultural techniques, intricate road systems, and monumental architecture, the Inca ci

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Architecture and Setting

The 14th century saw the peak of Gothic architecture, with soaring cathedrals, stone castles, and fortified cities. These structures form the backbone of fantasy settings — majestic citadels, haunted abbeys, and secretive monasteries all stem from real medieval architecture. Authors and game designers borrow heavily from this aesthetic. The da

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The Black Death and Plague Imagery

The Black Death of 1347–1351 decimated Europe, killing an estimated one-third of its population. It deeply affected the medieval psyche and left lasting marks on culture and art — images of death, suffering, and divine punishment became widespread. In fantasy, plague is a recurring motif, often used to convey horror, apocalypse, or divine wr

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