Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founds Lima, the capital of Peru.

Francisco Pizarro: The Conquistador of Peru

Francisco Pizarro González, a pivotal figure in the annals of exploration and conquest, was a Spanish conquistador born around March 16, 1478, in Trujillo, Extremadura, Spain. His life's trajectory, marked by ambition and ruthlessness, culminated in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, an event that profoundly reshaped the history of South America. Born into a poor and illegitimate family, Pizarro received little formal education and spent his early life as a swineherd, a humble beginning that fueled his relentless pursuit of fortune and renown in the burgeoning New World.

Early Expeditions and the Discovery of the Pacific

Driven by the allure of the Americas, Pizarro embarked on his first voyage to the New World in 1502, settling on the island of Hispaniola. His quest for adventure soon led him to the untamed frontiers of the Spanish Main. In 1513, he joined Vasco Núñez de Balboa's arduous expedition across the Isthmus of Panama. This historic journey led them to become the first Europeans to behold the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, which Balboa christened the "Mar del Sur" (South Sea). Following this remarkable discovery, Pizarro established himself in the newly founded Panama City, serving as its mayor for several years, accumulating a modest fortune and gaining valuable administrative experience.

However, Pizarro's true ambition lay further south, spurred by persistent rumors of a wealthy indigenous empire in the Andean regions. He initiated two challenging expeditions towards Peru (1524-1525 and 1526-1528), both of which were fraught with hardship, resource scarcity, and fierce indigenous resistance, ultimately failing to achieve their objective. Despite these setbacks, Pizarro gathered crucial intelligence, confirming the existence of a sophisticated and resource-rich civilization: the Inca Empire.

The Conquest of the Inca Empire and the Capture of Atahualpa

In 1529, Pizarro returned to Spain, securing the necessary royal endorsement from Queen Isabella I of Castile. Through the "Capitulación de Toledo," he obtained official permission and financial backing to lead a third, decisive campaign to conquer Peru. This expedition, commencing in 1532, marked the beginning of the end for the mighty Inca Empire.

Upon landing on the northern coast of present-day Peru, Pizarro's forces encountered resistance from local populations. To establish a secure foothold, he strategically moved inland and founded the first Spanish settlement in Peru, San Miguel de Piura, in July 1532. This served as a vital base for supplies and reinforcements. Pizarro's progress was greatly aided by the ongoing Inca Civil War, a devastating conflict between half-brothers Atahualpa and Huáscar, which had weakened the empire significantly.

The pivotal moment of the conquest occurred in November 1532 at the Battle of Cajamarca. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Pizarro, employing a combination of surprise, advanced European weaponry (steel swords, arquebuses, cannons), and the psychological impact of horses, orchestrated a daring ambush. He captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa during a diplomatic meeting, a move that decapitated the Inca leadership and plunged the empire into disarray. A staggering ransom was demanded for Atahualpa's release – a room filled once with gold and twice with silver. The Inca people diligently fulfilled this unprecedented demand, amassing an immense treasure. However, Pizarro, fearing Atahualpa's influence and potential for rebellion, controversially charged him with various crimes, including idolatry, polygamy, and rebellion against the Spanish Crown. Atahualpa was executed by garrote in July 1533, an act that remains one of the most contentious episodes of the Spanish conquest, effectively cementing Spanish control over the empire.

Later the same year, Pizarro entered the magnificent Inca capital of Cuzco, further solidifying the Spanish conquest of Peru. He then turned his attention to establishing a new administrative center with better access to the coast.

Foundation of Lima and Pizarro's Demise

In January 1535, Pizarro founded the city of Lima, originally named "Ciudad de los Reyes" (City of Kings), strategically located in the fertile Rímac River valley with convenient access to the Pacific Ocean. This new city quickly overshadowed Cuzco as the heart of Spanish colonial power in South America. Francisco Pizarro's remarkable, albeit brutal, life came to an end on June 26, 1541, when he was assassinated in Lima by disgruntled rivals, led by the son of his former partner, Diego de Almagro.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francisco Pizarro

When and where was Francisco Pizarro born?
Francisco Pizarro was born around March 16, 1478, in Trujillo, Extremadura, Spain.
What was Pizarro's greatest achievement?
He is best known for leading the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru, a feat that led to the establishment of vast Spanish colonial rule in South America.
Who was Atahualpa and what happened to him?
Atahualpa was the last reigning emperor of the Inca Empire. He was captured by Pizarro at the Battle of Cajamarca, offered an immense ransom, but was ultimately executed by the Spanish in July 1533.
What significant city did Pizarro found in Peru?
Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima on January 18, 1535, originally known as "Ciudad de los Reyes," which became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

The Enduring Legacy of Lima: Capital of Peru

The history of Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, commenced with its official foundation by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. This strategic decision placed the nascent colonial city in the fertile valley of the Rímac River, an area historically inhabited and cultivated by the Ichma polity, a sophisticated pre-Inca culture known for its impressive agricultural techniques and ceremonial centers.

Colonial Prosperity and Imperial Significance

Lima's importance rapidly ascended within the Spanish colonial empire. By 1543, it was designated the capital of the vast Viceroyalty of Peru, one of the two principal administrative divisions of Spanish South America, which encompassed a significant portion of the continent. Concurrently, it became the seat of a prestigious Real Audiencia, a high court and administrative body, solidifying its role as the political, economic, and judicial nerve center of the region.

The 17th century marked a period of remarkable prosperity for Lima. The city flourished as the linchpin of an extensive and lucrative trade network that stretched across the Spanish Empire. It served as the primary conduit for the immense silver wealth extracted from the mines of Potosí (in present-day Bolivia), funneling it towards Spain. Furthermore, Lima played a crucial role in the trans-Pacific trade route, with the Manila Galleons connecting it to Asian markets. This era of wealth, however, was not without its challenges; Lima frequently endured devastating earthquakes, such as those in 1687 and 1746, which caused widespread destruction, and faced constant threats from opportunistic pirates and privateers like Sir Francis Drake and Jacques L'Hermite who targeted its rich port of Callao.

Decline, Independence, and Post-Colonial Challenges

The economic dynamism of Lima began to wane in the 18th century. This decline was largely attributed to a confluence of factors: a broader economic downturn affecting the Spanish Empire, a decrease in the productivity of some silver mines, and most significantly, the implementation of the Bourbon Reforms. These administrative and economic reforms, aimed at centralizing power and boosting efficiency, often came at the expense of established colonial centers. The creation of new viceroyalties (like New Granada and Río de la Plata) and the opening of additional ports to direct trade with Spain diminished Lima's monopolistic control and reduced its strategic importance.

The early 19th century brought the tumultuous Peruvian War of Independence (1821-1824). Lima's populace found itself in an ambivalent and precarious position, caught between the Royalist forces loyal to Spain and the Patriot armies fighting for liberation. The city suffered significantly, enduring "exactions"—forced contributions, requisitions, and looting—from both sides as armies traversed and occupied its territory. After Peru finally achieved independence, Lima proudly assumed its role as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Peru.

A brief resurgence of prosperity graced Lima in the mid-19th century, fueled largely by the lucrative guano boom, which saw Peru become a major exporter of this valuable fertilizer. This period allowed for some urban development and modernization. However, this period of growth was brutally interrupted by the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), a conflict with Chile. Lima was tragically looted and occupied by Chilean troops, sustaining extensive damage to its infrastructure and economy, a trauma that left deep scars.

Modern Urban Growth and Challenges

Following the War of the Pacific, Lima embarked on a period of gradual recovery, marked by demographic expansion and efforts towards urban renewal. The city's population growth dramatically accelerated from the 1940s onwards, primarily spurred by mass immigration from the rural Andean regions of Peru. People flocked to the capital seeking better economic opportunities and a brighter future. This rapid and often unplanned influx of migrants, however, presented immense challenges for public services and urban planning. The city's infrastructure struggled to keep pace with the exponential expansion, leading to the widespread proliferation of "barriadas" or "pueblos jóvenes"—informal settlements or shantytowns—on the periphery of the city, a testament to both the resilience of its inhabitants and the persistent socio-economic disparities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lima's History

When was Lima founded?
Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535.
What was Lima's original name?
Its original name was "Ciudad de los Reyes," meaning "City of Kings."
Why was Lima so important during the colonial era?
Lima became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and a major center for trade, especially for silver from Potosí and goods from Asia via the Manila Galleon route, making it one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Spanish South America.
How did the Bourbon Reforms affect Lima?
The Bourbon Reforms diminished Lima's economic and political dominance by centralizing power in Spain, opening new ports to trade, and creating new viceroyalties, which reduced its exclusive trade privileges.
What caused Lima's rapid population growth in the 20th century?
Beginning in the 1940s, significant immigration from Peru's Andean regions seeking economic opportunities fueled a rapid demographic expansion in Lima, leading to urban challenges like the growth of shantytowns.