Probably one the most powerful empires in the history of mankind, the Incas had a great influence in many South American countries. They spread from southern Colombia to central Chile during the 12th century and settled during 250 years until Spanish invaders, lead by Francisco Pizarro, conquered the “New World” in 1533. The city of Cuzco was established as the main capital and the common language was Quechua, which is still widely spoken in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.