Peru History Overview

Early Peru History

At the same time that Troy was founded and the Sumerians were building their civilizations, the Norte Chico civilization was rising in Peru. This civilization is the oldest known in the Americas and reigned from the 30th century and 18th century BC.



While the Egyptians were building the pyramids at Giza, the Norte Chico civilization was making architectural advancements of their own. These achievements would later be perfected by the Inca and cause wonder in the modern world.

As Peru history marches on we see the rise of the largest empire in pre-Columbian America; the Inca Empire. While the Renaissance was taking hold in Europe, the Inca were building Macchu Picchu. That single architectural achievement would captivate the modern world when it was discovered in 1911 and became one of the new wonders of the world.

The arrival of Spain

Once again, time moves forward and in 1531 the Spanish conquistadors set foot on Inca soil. In the next year Francisco Pizarro and his brothers would christen that soil and by 1535, Lima would be founded. The Spanish conquest of the Inca, a civilization that ruled for around 300 years, would be brutally swift and usher in a new era in Peru’s history.

In 1542 the Spanish Crown would establish a Viceroyalty in Peru to consolidate its new territory and organize its government. This system of government would last until 1824; almost as long as the Inca Empire itself. But the people of Peru could only be suppressed for so long.

The ideas of revolution from the Enlightenment built until an open war for independence broke out in Peru in 1810. This part of Peru history would last for 14 years until the Peruvians finally emerged victorious on July 28, 1824.

Modern Peru History

From here, the history of Peru becomes a story of unrest. After winning their independence, Peruvians would go through 124 years of territorial disputes and reconstruction. Then in 1948, Peru would become somewhat stabilized by a military dictatorship.

The country would go through several regime changes by military coup until finally in 1979, Peru became a democracy. Unfortunately this transition didn’t end all of Peru’s troubles, but that’s a discussion for modern day political scientists.

Peru history is rich with cultural growth and emerged around the same time that the great civilizations of Europe were rising. Pre-Columbian civilizations made architectural advancements that rival those of ancient Egypt, yet somehow this land was forgotten in our history books. To learn more about Peru, browse this website and find interesting articles, videos and facts about Peru History.

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