In 1532, Francisco de Pizarro led fewer than two hundred men into the heart of the Inca Empire and brought a civilization of millions to its knees. What drove this man—from humble beginnings in Spain—to defy impossible odds and confront Atahualpa’s army of 30,000 warriors? Through striking reenactments and expert insight, the film explores how faith, greed, and unyielding ambition collided in one of history’s most shocking encounters, forever changing the fate of two worlds. Beyond the conquest, it delves into the man himself—visionary and tyrant, believer and betrayer—revealing how his thirst for glory became a symbol of both human courage and moral ruin. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, this journey exposes the hidden cost of empire: the blood spilled, the cultures erased, and the myths that still echo through the ruins of Cuzco.
Sagan reflects on the future of humanity and the question of 'who speaks for Earth?' when meeting extraterrestrials. He discusses the very different meetings of the Tlingit people and explorer Jean-François de La Perouse with the destruction of the Aztecs by Spanish conquistadors, the looming threat of nuclear warfare, and the threats shown by destruction of the Library of Alexandria and the murder of Hypatia. The episode ends with an overview of the beginning of the universe, the evolution of life, and the accomplishments of humanity and makes a plea to mankind to cherish life and continue its journey in the cosmos. The Cosmos Update notes the preliminary reconnaissance of planets with spacecraft, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of apartheid in South Africa, and measures towards the reduction of nuclear weapons.
Beyond the conquest, it delves into the man himself—visionary and tyrant, believer and betrayer—revealing how his thirst for glory became a symbol of both human courage and moral ruin. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, this journey exposes the hidden cost of empire: the blood spilled, the cultures erased, and the myths that still echo through the ruins of Cuzco.