Around The World
Peru Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Peru's history.
1250 B.C.
Native Indian groups build settlements in Peru.1100 A.D.
The Chimú people build a capital at Chan Chan. It is said to have been the largest adobe city in the world.1438
The Inca Empire begins its rise to power. Over the next 100 years, the small tribe builds the largest empire in the Americas.1533
Spanish soldiers led by Francisco Pizarro defeat the Incas. Pizarro declares Lima the new capital of Peru in 1535.1824
Peru wins its independence from Spain. It's the last colony in Latin America to do so.
GETTY IMAGES
1911
On July 24, American archaeologist Hiram Bingham finds Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. The city was built around 1430.1983
A weather phenomenon called El Niño causes flooding in some parts of the country and drought in others. This causes major problems for Peru's economy.
STAN HONDA—AFP/GETTY IMAGES
1998
Peru signs a treaty with neighbor Ecuador to peacefully settle their 57-year border dispute.
ANIBAL SOLIMANO—GETTY IMAGES