Peru Pre-Columbian & Contemporary History

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical figures, cultural traditions, dates, symbols, and concepts from Pre-Columbian and contemporary Peru.

Atahualpa

The Inca Emperor at the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru.

1532

The year Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru.

Francisco Pizarro

The Spanish leader who led the conquest of the Inca Empire.

Factors in the Spanish Defeat of the Inca Army

The combination of superior weaponry (steel, firearms, horses), European diseases (like smallpox) that decimated the population, and taking advantage of an ongoing Inca civil war that allowed 168 Spaniards to defeat an 80,000-strong army.

Tahuantinsuyu

The Quechua name for the Inca Empire, translating to "Realm of the Four Parts" or "The Four Regions."

Quipus

A system of knotted strings utilized in the Inca Empire to record data and keep records.

Chasquis

Highly trained, agile runners who delivered messages across the vast road network of the Inca Empire.

Hiram Bingham

The American explorer who brought Machu Picchu to global attention in 1911, though locals already knew of its existence.

Peruvian Independence

Declared in 1821 by José de San Martín and secured in 1824 at the Battle of Ayacucho.

Colors of the Peruvian Flag

Red represents the blood shed by those who fought for independence, while white represents peace and purity.

Coca Leaf

A plant deeply tied to indigenous Andean culture and traditions; legally chewed and consumed in teas to combat altitude sickness and used in spiritual rituals.

Andean Animals

Three notable animals associated with the Andean region: the Llama, Alpaca, and Andean Condor.

Zampoña

A traditional Andean pan flute.

Charango

A small stringed musical instrument associated with the Andean region.

Ceviche

The national dish of Peru, made of raw fish cured in citrus juices.

Pisco Sour

The national drink of Peru.

Afro-Peruvians

Populations descended from the first African captives who arrived in the 1500s during the Spanish conquest; predominantly located today in coastal regions such as Callao, Chincha, and Lima due to historical plantation labor patterns.