Historical Events tagged with "peru"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Sports & Recreation

Inauguration of Peru's First Large-Capacity Stadium

May 13th, 1951 73 years ago

The National University of San Marcos marked its 400th anniversary with the inauguration of Peru's first large-capacity stadium, Estadio Nacional. This venue served not only as a sports facility but also as a cultural hub, reflecting the university's long-standing commitment to education and community involvement. The opening ceremony attracted numerous dignitaries, students, and local residents who celebrated this significant milestone in Peru's educational history.

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Exploration & Discovery

Kon-Tiki Expedition Begins in Peru

April 28th, 1947 77 years ago

Thor Heyerdahl and five crew mates embarked on a daring expedition from Peru on the raft named Kon-Tiki with the aim to demonstrate that pre-Columbian South Americans could have settled Polynesia. The team sought to prove their theory using a primitive raft, showcasing the possibility of ancient oceanic navigation across vast distances. The journey was motivated by both scientific inquiry and a spirit of adventure as the crew set sail into the Pacific Ocean, capturing international attention with their brave endeavor.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Earthquake Strikes Peruvian Andes

November 10th, 1946 78 years ago

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Peruvian Andes, killing at least 1,400 individuals and causing widespread destruction. The mainshock occurred near the town of Yungay, leading to landslides and significant building collapses. Rescue operations faced challenging terrain and access difficulties, impeding efforts to save survivors. The quake highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic events and underscored the necessity for better preparedness and infrastructure improvements.

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Health & Medicine

Lina Medina becomes the youngest confirmed mother

May 14th, 1939 85 years ago

Lina Medina, born in 1933 in Peru, gave birth at the age of five, becoming the youngest confirmed mother in medical history. Her case was discovered when her parents took her to a hospital in Puno due to abdominal swelling, where doctors initially suspected a tumor. Instead, they found she was pregnant. The birth occurred through a Cesarean section since her pelvic bones were not fully developed. Lina's son was named Gerardo and was born healthy.

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Politics & Government

Gómez's Speech Escalates Leticia Tensions

September 17th, 1932 92 years ago

Laureano Gómez delivered a speech that intensified tensions relating to the Leticia Incident, which involved territorial disputes between Colombia and Peru. This discourse stirred nationalist sentiments among Colombians and escalated calls for military action in the region. The Leticia Incident, characterized by the occupation of the port town of Leticia by Peruvian officers and the subsequent Colombian response, became a pivotal point in the narrative of Colombian national identity and its border conflicts.

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Exploration & Discovery

Hiram Bingham III re-discovers Machu Picchu

July 24th, 1911 113 years ago

Hiram Bingham III, an American historian, and explorer, made a significant discovery when he re-identified the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. This once-lost city was hidden in the Andes mountains, known to locals but largely forgotten by the outside world. Bingham's expedition was supported by Yale University and drew attention to Machu Picchu, which would later become one of the most celebrated archaeological sites in the world. Through meticulous exploration and documentation, Bingham brought global awareness to the importance of Incan civilization and its architectural marvels.

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Exploration & Discovery

Agustín Lizárraga Discovers Machu Picchu

July 14th, 1902 122 years ago

Peruvian explorer and farmer Agustín Lizárraga discovered Machu Picchu, a site later known as the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until Lizárraga's expedition revealed its existence to the Western public. His findings would eventually lead to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, bringing attention to the Inca civilization and its remarkable achievements in engineering and architecture.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of Phoebe, Saturn's Satellite

March 18th, 1899 125 years ago

William Henry Pickering, an American astronomer, announced the discovery of Phoebe, a satellite of Saturn, based on photographs taken in August 1898. This marked a significant advancement in astronomy, as it was the first time a moon was captured in photographs. Pickering’s work initiated new methods of celestial observation and expanded human understanding of the Saturnian system.

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Education & Academia

Foundation of the Peruvian Academy of Language

May 5th, 1887 137 years ago

The Peruvian Academy of Language was established in a move to promote the Spanish language and its literature in Peru. This institution aimed to elevate linguistic standards and unify various regional dialects within the country. The founding members, including notable writers and linguists, recognized the importance of a centralized authority to preserve and regulate the Spanish language, making significant strides in linguistic research and education. The Academy is known for publishing dictionaries and grammar guides crucial for the cultural identity of Peru.

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