Which civilization was known to be taken down by Spanish conquistadors?

The correct answer encompasses both the Aztec and Inca civilizations, both of which fell to Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The Aztecs, located in present-day Mexico, were conquered by Hernán Cortés beginning in 1519. This conquest was marked by a combination of military invasion and alliances with local tribes that were enemies of the Aztecs, ultimately leading to the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521.

Similarly, the Inca Empire, spanning parts of present-day Peru and beyond, was brought down by Francisco Pizarro and his forces in the 1530s. The Inca were weakened by internal strife and civil war, coupled with the Spanish’s technological advantages, such as firearms and horses. The capture of the Inca leader Atahualpa and subsequent military engagements resulted in the rapid disintegration of Incan power and the establishment of Spanish control over the region.

Thus, the answer is correct because both indigenous empires experienced significant disruption and downfall due to Spanish expeditions, leading to the large-scale colonization of the Americas. Their stories are crucial in understanding the transformative impacts of European exploration and conquest during this period.