When you think of Peru, what comes to mind? Lush Amazon rainforests? The towering peaks of the Andes? Maybe a plate of delicious ceviche? While all of these are true, Peru is also a land of ancient civilizations, lost cities, and some of the most mind-boggling mysteries the world has ever seen. Let’s take a journey through its fascinating past, from the heights of the Inca Empire to the puzzling Nazca Lines.
The Rise and Fall of the Mighty Inca Empire
Before the Incas took center stage, Peru was home to some of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, including the Caral-Supe civilization, which dates back over 5,000 years. But let’s be honest—when people think of ancient Peru, they think of the Incas.
According to legend, the Incas were the children of Inti, the sun god. Their founder, Manco Cápac, and his wife emerged from the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca and were sent to find a land to rule. That land became Cusco, the beating heart of the Inca Empire.
By the time Pachacuti (whose name literally means “the one who shakes the Earth”) took the throne in 1438, the Incas were ready for global domination—well, at least domination of the Andean region. They expanded their empire from Ecuador to Chile, creating one of the most sophisticated civilizations of their time.
But what made the Incas so successful? Their innovative agricultural techniques, for one. The Incas mastered the art of terrace farming, transforming the steep Andean mountains into farmland that could feed their vast population. And let’s not forget potatoes—yes, those crispy French fries and chips you love? Thank the Incas! They were the first to cultivate potatoes, turning this humble root vegetable into a global staple.
Of course, no discussion of the Incas is complete without Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas.” Perched at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, this breathtaking site was likely a royal retreat for Pachacuti. The Incas built it with precision stonework so advanced that not even a blade of grass can fit between the stones—without using mortar!
But just when the Incas were at their peak, disaster struck. In 1532, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrived with just 200 men, but thanks to a deadly combination of guns, germs, and steel (and some sneaky betrayal), he managed to topple an empire of millions. The Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured, held for ransom, and ultimately executed, marking the end of an era.
Bird Poop and the War That Changed Everything
You might think Peru’s history slowed down after the Incas, but you’d be wrong. Fast forward to the 19th century, and Peru was in the middle of a very peculiar conflict: the War of the Pacific, also known as the Bird Poop War. Yes, you read that right.
During the 19th century, guano (aka bird droppings) was as valuable as gold, thanks to its high nitrogen content, which made it an excellent fertilizer. Peru, Bolivia, and Chile all wanted control of the guano-rich Atacama Desert, and in 1879, war broke out. Spoiler alert: Chile won, Bolivia lost its coastline (becoming a landlocked country), and Peru was left in political turmoil for years.
The Nazca Lines: Giant Alien Art?
As if Peru’s history wasn’t already fascinating enough, let’s talk about the Nazca Lines—some of the strangest and most mysterious geoglyphs in the world. Scattered across the Nazca Desert, these enormous figures include animals like hummingbirds and monkeys, as well as geometric patterns and strange humanoid figures.
Who made them? Why? Were they landing strips for ancient aliens, as some conspiracy theorists believe? Or perhaps an elaborate way to communicate with the gods? While archaeologists lean toward religious or astronomical explanations, the mystery remains unsolved.