Rumiñahui

Rumiñahui was a prominent military leader of the Cañari people in what is now Ecuador. He lived during the period of the Inca Empire's expansion and its subsequent decline. Rumiñahui, whose name translates to "stone face" in Quechua, was known for his ferocity and tactical skill in battle.

He played a significant role in the Inca civil war between brothers Huascar and Atahualpa. Rumiñahui was a loyal supporter of Atahualpa, leading crucial campaigns to secure his victory. Following Atahualpa's capture by the Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro, Rumiñahui became a key figure in the Inca resistance.

Despite facing a technologically superior enemy, Rumiñahui organized a fierce defense of Quito and the surrounding regions. He is credited with leading a desperate but determined fight against the Spanish and their indigenous allies. Accounts suggest he employed guerrilla tactics and scorched-earth strategies to impede the Spanish advance and prevent them from seizing Inca treasures.

Ultimately, Rumiñahui was captured by the Spanish. The circumstances of his death vary in historical accounts, with some suggesting he was executed by Pizarro's forces while others propose he died of torture or illness. His legacy is that of a valiant warrior who fought bravely for his people's autonomy against overwhelming odds. He is remembered as a symbol of indigenous resistance in Ecuadorian history.