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Pre-Columbian cultures[edit]
Mochica culture[edit]
Main article: Moche (culture)
The Lord of Sipán tomb
The Moche civilization began between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, occupying a territory that spanned much of what is now the northern coast of Peru, encompassing what is today the coastal area of the departments of Ancash, Lambayeque and La Libertad. This civilization developed a broad knowledge of hydraulic engineering: its people constructed canals to create an irrigation system in order to support agriculture. They produced surpluses, which supported population density and a strong economy for development. The culture was characterized by intensive use of copper in the manufacture of ornamental objects, tools and weapons. The Moche civilization was one of the largest and most influential in Peru, and ruins and archeological sites of the Moche, especially the Lord of Sipán, became large tourist destinations.
During the Moche times, Pampa Grande, near Chiclayo, was a major regional capital.
The Mochicans produced ceramics with elaborate designs, representing religious themes, humans, animals, and scenes of ceremonies and myths reflecting their perception of the world. They were famous for huaco-portraits, which are preserved in museums around the country, highlighting amazing expressiveness, perfection, and realism. The civilization disappeared as a result of disasters caused by El Niño.
Sican culture[edit]
Main article: Sican culture
The Sican culture (or Lambayeque culture) existed between 700 and 1375AD and occupied the territory that is now the department of Lambayeque, including present-day Chiclayo.
This culture formed towards the end of the Moche civilization and assimilated much of the Moche knowledge and cultural traditions. At its peak, (900–1100), it extended over almost the entire Peruvian coast. The Sican excelled in architecture, jewelry and navigation. A thirty-year drought around the year 1020 hastened the fall of this civilization, along with multiple El Niño disasters .[citation needed]
Soon after, the territories of the Sican Culture were controlled by the Chimu Empire, which would absorb the goldsmithing techniques of the Sicán in the handling of gold and silver, integrating its population into this kingdom. Finally, the Chimu would be conquered by the Inca Pachacutec, in the Inca expansion to the north, integrating the region into the Chinchaysuyo of the Inca empire until the Spanish conquest by Francisco Pizarro.
Colonial period[edit]
Iglesia Matriz during the 20th century
In the early 16th century, Chiclayo was inhabited by two ethnic groups; the Cinto and Collique. The chieftains of these ethnic groups donated part of their land for the construction of a Franciscan convent. This section of land was approved by the royal decree of 17 September 1585. Thus, with the advocation of Saint Maria of Chiclayo and under the direction of Father Fray Antonio of the Concepción, a church and a Franciscan convent were erected at Chiclayo. At the time of construction of these Spanish-built edifices, the city of Chiclayo was founded. Unlike other major Peruvian colonial cities such as Lima, Piura, Trujillo, or Arequipa, Chiclayo was inhabited by a largely indigenous population rather than Spanish colonizers.[citation needed]
During his expedition, Francisco Pizarro passed through the region of Chiclayo, on his last expedition on his way to Cajamarca, reaching Zaña. At this place the road forked in two, one to the south and the other to Cajamarca, taking the latter to meet Incan emperor, Atahualpa, despite the fact that some members of the expedition to Peru suggested that he continue south to what is now Arequipa.
The town was part of the Intendancy of Trujillo that came to have nine districts that were Trujillo, Lambayeque, Piura, Cajamarca, Huamachuco, Chota, Moyobamba, Chachapoyas, Jaén and Maynas, the latter party previously made up the departments of what is now known as (Department of San Martín, Ucayali, Loreto) being the Intendancy of Trujillo the largest in the Viceroyalty of Peru, that is, almost all of the north of present-day Peru; its first intendant was Fernando Saavedra from 1784 to 1791. He was followed by Vicente Gil de Taboada (1791–1805 and 1810–1820), Felice del Risco y Torres (provisional) (1805–1810) and the Marquis of Torre Tagle (1820), who led the independence of the Intendancy.
War of Independence[edit]
During the Peruvian War of Independence, Chiclayo supported General José de San Martín's liberating army with soldiers, weapons, horses, and other resources, under the supervision of the most progressive creole, José Leonardo Ortiz, and Juan Manuel Iturregui, Pascual Saco Oliveros and other Lambayecan patriots.
Republican era[edit]
After independence, Chiclayo was still a small village. On 15 April 1835, Chiclayo was proclaimed a city by then-president Felipe Santiago Salaverry, who declared it a "Heroic City" in recognition of the services its people rendered in the War of Independence. The next day, the Chiclayo Province was organized, with Chiclayo designated as its capital and then, capital of the Department of Lambayeque.[citation needed] In 1827, Chiclayo was elevated to the level of villa.
Chiclayo's progress began primarily during the Republican era, when it was granted the title of city, naming it "Heroic City" in recognition of the services rendered by the people of Chiclayo to the independence cause.
Modern Chiclayo[edit]
Parque Central of Chiclayo
In the 21st century, Chiclayo is one of the financial and commercial capitals of Northern Peru, along with neighboring cities Piura and Trujillo. Its strategic geographic location makes it a rail, communications, and automotive hub. Modern touches include large supermarkets, banking chains, warehouses, hospitals, clinics, and galleries. It has also been a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, architecture and historic sites. The project, Tren de la Costa, is planned to connect the cities of Sullana, Lima, and Ica, including Chiclayo as a station. Chiclayo is also known as the "Ciudad de la Amistad" ("City of Friendship") and Perla del Norte ("Pearl of the North") of Peru, for the kindness of its people.
On 8 May 2025, former Bishop of Chiclayo Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as Pope Leo XIV. Born in the United States, he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023, and has been a naturalized Peruvian citizen since 2015.
