ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 16

The Death and Mortal Remains of Francisco Pizarro
Gatliff, BP
President, SK ULLpture, Inc., OK

Ludeña, H
Curator in charge of C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory, visiting scientist, and adjunct curator of anthropology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, FL

Benfer, R
Professor of anthropology, University of Missouri, MO

Maples, WR
Curator in charge of C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory, visiting scientist, and adjunct curator of anthropology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, FL

Goza, W
Curator in charge of C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory, visiting scientist, and adjunct curator of anthropology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, FL

(Received 28 October 1988; accepted 31 October 1988)

Abstract

When Francisco Pizarro was assassinated in 1541, he was buried near the Cathedral of Lima, but was later moved into the crypt under the altar. In 1891 mummified remains were identified as those of Pizarro and placed in a sarcophagus on public exhibition. In 1977 bones were discovered in a walled over niche in the crypt. The skull was in a lead box engraved with Pizarro's name. Which remains—the bones, or the mummy—are those of Pizarro? This question and more can now be answered. This paper will give evidence of the exact wounds that Pizarro received in his final sword fight, as well as a facial sculpture of the skull now identified as that of the conqueror of Peru.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, Francisco Pizarro, historical background, historical assassination, skeletal trauma

Paper ID: JFS12733J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12733J
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