|
|
|
Trujillo History
The existence of inhabitants in what is today the Deparment of la Libertad dates back some 12,000 years, as evidenced by the large number of archaeological remains from the Cupisnique, Salinar, Virú, Mochica and Chimú Cultures. The Mochica Culture (3rd to 7th century A.C.) was known both for its fine and well finished realistic ceramics in the shape of prodigious huaco - portraits and representations of regional flora and wildlife, as well as for its majestic temples in the shape of truncated pyramids, reflecting the vast knowledge of its people as far as architecture and engineering concerned. This same area was later occupied by the Chimú Culture (12th to 15th century A.C.) ChanChan, its capital, is the largest adobe citadel in preHispanic America. This culture was also known for its excellent gold and silver jewerly and for its advanced agricultural techniques, admirably portrayed by its huge aqueduct systems, which are still used for irrigation purposes. The great Chimú Civilzation was conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. When the Spanish Conquistadore reached this region, which was called canda by the native indians, Diego de Almagro founded the Village of Trujillo in 1534, in honor of Trujillo de Extremadura, Francisco Pizarro's birthplace. With the passing of time, Trujillo of Peru became the political and administrative headquarters of the Northern Region of the Viceroyalty. This region offers countless attractions, which include impressive pre-Inca ceremonial centers, predominantly built of adobe, summer resorts and long beaches, on whose waters the millenary caballitos de totora (small reed boats) still sail, sea craft.
|
|
