17 Jan A journey through Hispanic history on the anniversary of Lima’s foundation

January 18 is a key date in Latin American history: the anniversary of Lima’s foundation, the capital of Peru. Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, Lima is also known as  « Ciudad de los Reyes » (“City of Kings”) in reference to Epiphany on January 6. This nickname reflects the cultural and religious influence of Spain in the region.

Lima flag. From top to bottom and left to right: the Costa Verde beach circuit, the Plaza Mayor de Lima, Lima Cathedral, the Reserve Park, the Vía Expresa Luis Fernán Bedoya Reyes, the San Francisco convent and the Lima Centro sub-region.

This historical event is a perfect opportunity to explore Spain’s impact on South America and deepen your Spanish language knowledge. At our Spanish school in Strasbourg, we incorporate these historical themes to enrich the learning experience.

A strategic foundation

Francisco Pizarro chose the Rímac Valley for its strategic location: a fertile region near the Pacific coast, ideal for becoming an administrative and commercial hub. Lima quickly became the seat of the Viceroyalty of Peru, playing a key role in the Andean region.

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, several advanced civilizations, such as the cultures Lima, Ichma et l’empire Inca, inhabited this area. These peoples built impressive agricultural and religious infrastructure, including the huacas, pyramidal adobe temples still visible today. The Rímac River, « “the one who speaks” in quechua, held deep spiritual significance for these populations.

Location of the city of Lima

Francisco Pizarro: founder of Lima

Francisco Pizarro (1478-1541), born in Trujillo, Spain, is renowned for his conquest of the Inca Empire. After capturing Emperor Atahualpa in 1532, ihe founded Lima in 1535 as the Spanish administrative center. However, internal tensions among conquistadors led to his assassination in 1541.

Portrait of Francisco Pizarro ( Amable-Paul Coutan, 1835 ).

Pizarro’s preliminary expeditions

– With Alonso de Ojeda (1510) : Pizarro joined Ojeda to explore the coasts of Central America and Colombia. Though perilous, this expedition established initial Spanish contact in these regions.

– With Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1513) : Alongside Balboa, Pizarro participated in crossing the Isthmus of Panama, leading to the discovery of the Pacific Ocean. This achievement opened new commercial possibilities.

– Complex Relations with Balboa and Pedrarias Dávila : After discovering the Pacific, Pizarro aligned with Pedrarias Dávila, governor of Panama, aiding in Balboa’s arrest. This strategic choice secured support for his future endeavors.

Pizarro on a Spanish 1000 peseta banknote from 1992.

The capture of Atahualpa at Cajamarca (1532)

The decisive episode in Cajamarca, where Pizarro captured Atahualpa, marked the end of the Inca Empire’s independence and the beginning of Spanish colonization. This event is one of the themes discussed in our courses in Strasbourg.

Oil painting by Juan B. Lepiani depicting the capture of Atahualpa in Cajamarca during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in 1532. The work of art was created between 1920 and 1927 by Juan Lepiani.

An ambush and monumental ransom

Confident after his victory over his brother Huáscar, Atahualpa agreed to meet Pizarro. However, what seemed like negotiations turned into an ambush. Despite being outnumbered, the Spaniards used firearms and horses to capture the emperor.

Atahualpa offered an enormous ransom: filling two rooms with treasures, collecting about 6,000 kg of gold and 12,000 kg of silver. Despite this, he was executed in 1533, sealing the fate of the Inca Empire.

The historical and cultural richness of Lima

Today, Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends colonial architecture with modernity. The historic center boasts treasures like  the Cathedral of Lima  and the Monastery of San Francisco, testaments to Spanish heritage.

Lima Cathedral in 2015

Lima: gastronomic capital

Celebrated as a hub of culinary excellence, Lima offers a vibrant fusion of indigenous, African, Asian, and Spanish influences. Iconic dishes like Ceviche and causa limeña showcase its unique gastronomic heritage

Presentation of the Peruvian ceviche variant.

Why learn Spanish in Strasbourg?

The anniversary of Lima’s foundation is a perfect moment to delve into Hispanic history while improving your language skills. Our Spanish school in Strasbourg offers an immersive experience where history, culture, and language intertwine. Discover how Spanish can open doors to the world and enrich your understanding of fascinating cultures.