The book tells about the conquest of the flourishing and powerful Inca Empire by the Spanish conquistadors, how a developed civilization gradually turned into a dependent province of Spain and by what methods the conquerors imposed their despotism. The author paints portraits of a whole galaxy of Great Incas, military leaders and commanders - foreigners, whose names are associated with the tragic and mysterious history of the Peruvian Indians, introduces the art, religion, achievements, traditions and rituals of the great people.