Lima

The city of Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. It was officially established as the City of Kings or Ciudad de los Reyes. The designation was made in honor of the biblical Magi who were called Reyes (Kings), though the city eventually took on the name Lima due to the local pronunciation of the native word Rímac.

On October 28, 1746, Lima and its port Callao were struck by a massive earthquake followed by a tsunami, one of the most destructive natural disasters in Peru's history. The earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 8.6, devastating most of the city and causing numerous casualties. The subsequent tsunami virtually wiped out the port of Callao, contributing to the loss of life. This event highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activities and led to significant rebuilding efforts.

On July 28, 1821, General José de San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru in the city of Lima. This declaration marked a significant moment in the South American wars of independence against Spanish colonial rule, establishing Peru as a free nation. The declaration ceremony took place in the Plaza Mayor of Lima, with San Martín famously declaring, 'From this moment on, Peru is free and independent, by the general will of the people and by the cause of justice that God defends.'

Although the battle itself took place in Ayacucho and not Lima, its consequences were deeply felt in Lima, leading to the confirmation of the independence of Peru from Spanish rule. On December 9, 1825, the Royalist army was defeated by the patriots led by Venezuelan general Antonio José de Sucre. This battle is considered the final engagement of the Spanish American wars of independence in South America, effectively consolidating the liberation of the continent from Spanish colonial rule.

On May 2, 1866, during the Chincha Islands War, the Spanish fleet bombarded the port of Callao as an attempt to re-establish their influence in Peru. The residents of Lima and Callao heroically defended the port against the Spanish armada. Despite heavy bombardment, the Spanish forces failed to capture Callao, marking an important victory for Peru. This event is a significant point of pride in Peruvian history, symbolizing resistance and resilience.

Lima experienced a major earthquake on May 24, 1940, which had a magnitude of about 8.2. The earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout the city, including the collapse of buildings and infrastructure. It resulted in significant casualties and left many residents homeless. The disaster underscored the seismic risks of the region and prompted enhancements in building codes and disaster preparedness in Lima, making it a crucial event in the city’s modern history.

In early 1982, Lima was severely affected by floods due to the El Niño phenomenon. The intense rains caused rivers to overflow, resulting in widespread damage and significant property loss. The flooding disrupted daily life and economic activities in Lima, necessitating large-scale government responses and humanitarian aid. This event highlighted the impact of climate anomalies on Lima and led to increased awareness and implementation of flood prevention and management strategies.

On May 29, 1988, members of the guerrilla group MRTA (Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement) attacked the Palace of Justice in Lima, holding hostages and demanding the release of their imprisoned comrades. The incident was part of a larger campaign by the MRTA to challenge the Peruvian government and establish a socialist state. This attack heightened tensions and underscored the violent conflict in Peru during the 1980s, known as the internal conflict with guerilla movements.

The authoritarian regime of Alberto Fujimori in Peru effectively came to an end on March 26, 2001, after a series of political crises and scandals that included corruption and human rights abuses. Fujimori fled to Japan amidst growing protests and allegations, marking a significant turning point in Peruvian politics. The period following his departure saw a transition towards democratic governance and significant reforms in Peru, with Lima at the heart of these political movements.

The Andean Community, a trade bloc comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, held a significant summit in Lima on February 19, 2008. This meeting focused on enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening political alliances in the region. The summit addressed key issues such as regional integration, economic development, and measures to combat drug trafficking. The outcomes of this summit played an essential role in shaping regional policy and cooperation among the member states.

The 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) on climate change took place in Lima from December 1 to December 12, 2014, concluding on December 14. This conference was pivotal in negotiating the Lima Call for Climate Action, which set the stage for the Paris Agreement. Over 190 countries participated in talks focusing on reducing global emissions and climate adaptation. The outcomes of COP20 in Lima were critical in shaping international environmental policy and efforts to address global warming.