The last ruler of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest was Atahualpa, who reigned from 1532 until his capture and execution by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Atahualpa was the last emperor of the Inca, who oversaw the empire at its peak but faced turmoil due to internal conflicts and the sudden appearance of the Spanish. His reign ended dramatically after he was deceived and taken prisoner, leading to the fall of the Inca Empire. Atahualpa's execution marked a significant turning point in the history of Peru and the region's subsequent colonial rule.