A political overview of 500 years of Peru's history from Spanish rule to today

Since Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in 1532, Peru had a turbulent history with many ups and lots of downs. The country has seen many rulers and forms of government from Spanish conquistadores and viceroys to freedom fighters and caudillos to civilian and military presidents to dictators and right, center and left presidents.

Below you find an overview of the political developments in Peru over the past 500 years which hopefully not only summarizes the facts but explains the complex contexts allowing you to understand today’s political structure and the causes for Peru’s current political, economic and social problems.

Long before people could read or write, they passed stories on by word of mouth. Every time they were told, they changed a little. From these ever-changing tales, myths and legends were born. Peru is no exception and many tales, myths and legends were composed in verse, which made them easier to remember.

Unfortunately, none have survived in the original form. But Spanish chroniclers who heard them during the first few decades after the Conquest and who wove them into European-style histories have left us reasonably trustworthy records.

Tales, myths and legends of old Peru are still related by the people of the country. Many have become traditions; others deal with political events; some tell of the adventures of the conquistadores and the Incas; others are just stories of love, and life, and death. All of them are fascinating, whether the person who hears them be of either a romantic or realistic turn of mind. Hoping a summary of a few of the tales of old Peru will help you absorb the atmosphere of this ancient country, our collection of tales, in condensed form, will be related in the present section.

Since ancient times in Peru there is a deep belief in gods, spirits, deities, the worshipping of nature and artefacts. Passed on from one generation to another, some of these beliefs try to explain the origins, creation of humankind, natural phenomena, and death. Others describe the nature and function of divinities, while still others provide models of righteous behavior by relating the adventures of heroes or the misfortunes of arrogant humans. These beliefs create the base for legends, folklore, myths, and the culture of each period they appear.

Peru is a country with a history and culture going back many thousand years and is characterized by its diversity with people from different social and cultural backgrounds, countries and reasons to live and stay in, fight for or come to Peru. In its long history Peru produced many important personalities that were not only significant for Peru's cultural, social and political development, but as well for Latin America and the entire world.

Peruvians are very proud of their heroes. To honor and to always remember these important figures of the Peruvian past and present many "plazas", streets and parks are named after them and monuments build everywhere in the cities. Quite a lot of museums are named after and / or dedicated to them. Religious personalities are adored in "their" churches and worshiped in amazing processions.

Unfortunately, little is known about the distinguished men who came over 10.000 years ago to Peru, made it a habitable place to live and developed the impressive ancient cultures. The history of Peru and its famous personalities can only be exactly traced back to the 15th century, when the Spaniards arrived and recorded important matters in writing. But even in this short time of Peru's history there are many famous Peruvians who are worth mentioning: The founders of Peru, the heroes of independence, war heroes, eminent scientist, writers, authors and artists, religious personalities, politicians and even athletes.