Peru's history spans over 15,000 years — from pre-Columbian cultures, Inca Empire, Spanish conquest, independence, to modern Peru.
Pre-Columbian Cultures (15,000 BC - 1438)
Caral (3500 BC) — oldest city in Americas. Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Wari cultures. Inca Empire emerged 13th c.
Inca Empire (1438-1533)
Pachacutec greatly expanded empire. Tawantinsuyu — Empire of Four Suyos — 12 million inhabitants, from Ecuador to Chile. Cusco capital, Machu Picchu built 1450.
Spanish Conquest (1533-1821)
Francisco Pizarro captured Inca Atahualpa at Cajamarca 1532. Executed 1533. Lima founded 1535. Viceroyalty of Peru — one of richest in Spanish Empire. Tupac Amaru II rebellion 1780-1781 brutally suppressed.
Independence (1821-1824)
Jose de San Martin declared independence July 28, 1821. Simon Bolivar won at Junin and Ayacucho 1824. Nascent republic.
Republican Era (1824-1980)
Political instability. War of the Pacific 1879-1883 against Chile — Peru lost Arica. Agrarian reform of Velasco Alvarado 1968-1975.
Armed Conflict and Modernity (1980-today)
Sendero Luminoso terrorism 1980-2000 — 70,000 dead. Capture of Abimael Guzman 1992. Alberto Fujimori 1990-2000 — authoritarian, convicted. 34 million inhabitants. Machu Picchu — UNESCO heritage, biggest tourist attraction.