Peru
History Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Peru's history.
7500-2500 B.C.:
First village settlements built in Peru.
1300:
The Chimu people build a capital at Chan Chan, said to be the largest adobe city in the world.
1438:
The Inca Empire begins its rise to power. Over the next 300 years, the small tribe becomes the largest empire ever known in the Americas.
1532-1535:
Spanish soldiers led by Francisco Pizarro defeat the Incas. Pizarro declares Lima Spain's capital in Peru.
1821:
José de San Martin proclaims Peru's independence from Spain on July 28, 1821.
1824:
Peru wins its independence from Spain. It's the last colony in Latin America to do so.
1866-1869:
Peru fights Spain and wins. After years of fighting, Spain signs a peace treaty with Peru.
1911:
On July 24, Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas, is discovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
1980:
After years of unstable leadership, a new constitution ensures that a freely-elected president and legislature will govern Peru.
1983:
A weather phenomenon called El Niņo causes widespread flooding in some parts of the country and droughts in others. This causes major problems for Peru's economy.
1998:
Peru signs a treaty with neighbor Ecuador to peacefully resolve their 57-year border dispute.
June 2001:
Alejandro Toledo is elected president. He's Peru's first Native Indian President.
2002:
In March, a group of explorers discover a large settlement in Peru's Vilcabamba region. Three months later, British and American explorers find an ancient Incan town at a site called Cota Coca. The town was lost for more than 400 years!