However, they excelled in the goldsmith trade. So highly prized was their art that goldsmiths and silversmiths lived in a separate district and were exempt from paying taxes. The Spaniards were thrilled with what they saw.

According to the way our guide described Cuzco, there was gold everywhere. On some of the buildings, there was gold plate. Strands of gold were woven into grass-thatched temple roofs. The Temple of the Sun and its enclosure were replete with golden objects everywhere.

Atahualpa was promised his life if he filled, as he had offered to do, the large room that served as his prison, once with gold and twice with silver. Objects came in from every corner of the realm. But the Spaniards were not satisfied. Their gold lust demanded more. Eventually, they amassed an incredible hoard.