Lima Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 19, 2024
Lima Then
Lima, the capital city of Peru, holds great historical and cultural significance, earning the nickname El Pulpo (“The Octopus”) for its wide-reaching influence and central role in the country’s affairs.
Founded on January 6, 1535, by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima was initially named Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) to honor the feast of the Epiphany.
However, this name quickly fell out of use, and Lima became the predominant name for the city.
In fact, on early Spanish maps of Peru, both names—Lima and Ciudad de los Reyes—can be seen side by side, reflecting the city’s dual identity in its early years.
Today, Lima remains the political, cultural, and economic heart of Peru, symbolizing the nation’s complex history and its ongoing influence in the region.
Lima History
Lima, the capital of Peru, has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years.
Its strategic coastal location has made it a central hub for urban development and cultural exchange, beginning with ancient pre-Inca civilizations like the Lima culture, followed by the influential Pachacamac site.
The area saw its first major urban communities during the Early Intermediate Period (c. 200 BCE–600 CE), with Pachacamac being an important religious center.
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When the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535, it was initially named Ciudad de los Reyes (City of the Kings) to commemorate the feast of the Epiphany.
Though this name did not endure, Lima became the seat of the new Viceroyalty of Peru and played a pivotal role in the Spanish Empire’s administration in South America.
Throughout the colonial era, Lima was the political, economic, and cultural center of Peru.
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It was home to the audiencia, the highest court in the region, and the headquarters of the Inquisition, wielding significant religious and moral influence.
Lima also became a prominent center of education with the founding of the University of San Marcos in 1551, the oldest university in the Americas.
However, Lima’s growth was slow for centuries, hindered by devastating events such as the earthquake of 1746, which destroyed much of the city.
Despite this setback, the city was rebuilt with grand European-inspired architecture but remained politically conservative and socially stratified.
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Lima’s transformation into a modern city began in the mid-19th century, spurred by the construction of the Lima-Callao railroad in 1851.
This allowed for suburban expansion, and the city began to grow outward, particularly into areas like Miraflores, as wealthier residents distanced themselves from the lower classes.
The growth was further fueled by the export of guano, a valuable resource, during the late 19th century.
However, Lima also faced challenges, including the ravages of the War of the Pacific in the 1880s, during which the city was occupied and looted by Chilean forces.
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Despite the destruction, Lima’s cultural and literary life rebounded with the works of notable writers such as Ricardo Palma, César Vallejo, and José Carlos Mariátegui, whose writings continued to shape the country’s intellectual landscape.
In the 20th century, Lima underwent rapid urbanization, driven by the availability of automobiles and improvements in transportation infrastructure.
As the city became a magnet for migrants from rural areas, its population surged, with millions of people moving to Lima between 1940 and 1980.
This rapid growth led to the development of informal settlements, or pueblos jóvenes, as people constructed makeshift homes on the city’s outskirts.
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By 1990, roughly one-third of Lima’s residents lived in these areas.
In response, the government began granting land titles and working to provide basic services to these growing communities.
The city’s infrastructure continued to evolve in the late 20th century with the construction of expressways and other modern amenities to accommodate its expanding population.
Today, Lima remains the economic, political, and cultural heart of Peru, influencing nearly every aspect of national life.
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The city’s rich history is evident in its historic center, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
However, Lima’s historic buildings are increasingly threatened by air pollution, earthquakes, and other hazards.
Despite these challenges, efforts to preserve the city’s architectural heritage, such as the restoration of its iconic wooden balconies, continue.
Lima’s legacy is also preserved in literature, with writers like Mario Vargas Llosa drawing on the city’s character to explore themes of social and political change, making it an enduring symbol of both the nation’s past and its future.
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Lima Now
Lima, the capital of Peru, is located in a geostrategically significant position along the central coast of the country.
It is nestled within the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers, in the desert region of Peru’s coastal plain, with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
Due to its strategic location, Lima serves as the political, cultural, financial, and commercial center of Peru.
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This prominence has earned the city a “beta” tier classification from the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, highlighting its growing global importance.
Jurisdictionally, Lima extends primarily within the province of Lima, with a smaller portion located within the Constitutional Province of Callao to the west, where the nation’s main seaport and international airport, Jorge Chávez, are located.
Both provinces have held regional autonomy since 2002, marking a significant step in the decentralization of governance in the region.
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The city’s population is vast, with an estimated 10.1 million people as of 2023, making Lima the largest city in Peru and the second most populous in Latin America after São Paulo.
When combined with Callao, the contiguous urban area, known as the Lima Metropolitan Area, is home to over 10.1 million residents, and the total agglomeration, including the constitutional province of Callao, reaches over 11.3 million people.
This population size places Lima among the thirty most populated urban areas globally.
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However, the rapid urbanization of Lima has led to significant social and economic disparities.
The city is marked by stark segregation, with poor neighborhoods known as pueblos jóvenes—often populated by immigrants from the Andean highlands—existing side by side with affluent areas.
Since 1985, a “wall of shame” has symbolized this divide, physically and socially separating the wealthy districts from the more impoverished ones.
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Historically, Lima was named after the native term “Limaq,” which referred to the agricultural region before it became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru under Spanish colonial rule.
Following Peru’s War of Independence, Lima retained its status as the capital of the newly established Republic of Peru.
Today, the Lima metropolitan area is home to about one-third of the country’s total population, reinforcing its central role in the national landscape.
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Lima is also a major international event hub, having hosted several high-profile conferences and sporting events.
In 2013, it was selected to host the 2019 Pan American Games, marking the largest sporting event ever held in Peru.
Additionally, Lima has been the venue for the APEC Meetings in 2008 and 2016, the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group in 2015, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2014.
It was also the site of the 1982 Miss Universe contest and will host the APEC summit for the third time in November 2024.
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Geographically, Lima spans around 800 square kilometers and is built on mostly flat terrain within the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers.
The city gently slopes from the Pacific Ocean into inland valleys and mountain slopes that rise as high as 1,550 meters (5,090 feet) above sea level.
Despite the flat coastal plains, Lima’s landscape includes isolated hills, such as the San Cristobal hill in the Rímac District, which is the highest point in the immediate area.
This hill, along with others like El Agustino and San Cosme, marks the local extremities of the Andes in the region, adding unique topographical features to the city’s urban environment.
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FAQs
Lima is known for being the political, cultural, and economic hub of Peru. It boasts a rich history, including colonial architecture, museums, and landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the San Francisco Convent.
It’s also famous for its world-renowned gastronomy, including ceviche, and is a key gateway for travelers exploring Peru’s diverse regions.
Lima, like many large cities, has areas that are safer for tourists and others that are less so.
While the city is generally safe in popular tourist areas like Miraflores and Barranco, it’s important to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, being cautious with personal belongings, and using reliable transport options.
Lima’s population has grown rapidly due to its economic opportunities and central location.
It is the country’s capital and primary commercial hub, attracting people from rural areas and the Andean highlands seeking work and better living conditions.
Over the past decades, the city’s population has surged due to migration, urbanization, and industrialization.
Lima offers a mix of benefits and challenges. It has modern amenities, a vibrant cultural scene, excellent food, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
However, it also faces issues like traffic congestion, air pollution, and stark socioeconomic inequality.
For some, these challenges may outweigh the conveniences, while others appreciate the opportunities and vibrant city life Lima offers.