AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD

Upon learning of a land rich in gold called El Dorado, Gonzalo Pizarro, brother of Francisco, is induced to venture on an expedition of conquest beyond the Andes, at the beginning of 1560. Forced to stop in his tracks, Pizarro decides to send a patrol to explore along the river, placing Don Pedro de Ursua and his subordinate Don Lope de Aguirre in command. The raging river immediately puts their rafts in trouble. When Don Pedro decides to turn back to the base camp, Aguirre seizes the upper hand and names himself head of the expedition. He even writes a declaration of rebellion against Philip II of Castile. But due to hunger and continued attacks by the Indians, his strength slowly diminishes, until the self-proclaimed “Wrath of God” dies in late February 1561, in a tragic conclusion to his absurd mission of conquest.