The history of Puno dates back to more than 10,000 years before Christ (BC). For archaeologists, there is evidence of very remote times in which the inhabitants were dedicated to hunting, fishing and the manufacture of objects in rock art.
In this region it is known that there was one of the first urban centers, which was called “Pucará”. One of its main characteristics was the construction of pyramidal type buildings, between 200 and 300 BC The Pucará culture dates from this time.
Virgin of the Candelaria of Puno
By cultural evolution and starting from the Pucará culture, the Tiahuanaco culture was born. The scope of this culture encompassed the vicinity of Lake Titicaca.
This culture made great contributions at the architectural level. One of the most emblematic monuments has been the Puerta del Sol, which is located in Bolivia.
The region had several ethnic groups that evolved in the place. To the north were the Quechuas and to the south of the territory the Aymaras. These lands had great mineral wealth. Riches that were very attractive to the colonizers.
Events and important dates
In colonial times
After the colonization of America, Puno played a very important role. In 1567, the Laikakota silver mines were discovered. The city was visited in 1573 by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo.
By 1575, it is considered as a city thanks to the mining, mercantile and commercial activities, which made it attractive to receive migratory movements from various regions. This population served as a link between the cities of Cusco, Arequipa, Potosí and La Paz.
Mining caused serious conflicts in the 17th century. To organize a process of pacification, Viceroy Conde de Lemos, went to the area and in the process founded on November 4, 1668, the city of San Carlos de Puno.
In the 18th century (as of 1781), the indigenous population made up of the Túpac Amarú and the Túpac Katari, revealed themselves to what they considered to be abuses by the authorities, to fight for independence.
After independence
After the independence of the region, in 1821, Puno was the scene for a territorial war between Peru and Bolivia. This ended after the signing of a convention in 1847.
After the decree established by Simón Bolívar in 1825, the National College of San Carlos de Puno was created. Which begins to operate in the region on April 16, 1830.
Commercially, in 1835, Puno took a big step when it started exporting wool to England, making this one of its most important activities.
On May 2, 1854, the province of Puno was created by decree. Currently Puno is the capital of the Department of Puno, which is part of the 24 departments that make up the Republic of Peru.
In 1856, Puno also became a university city, housing the University of San Carlos de Puno.
The port of Puno began to receive recognized vessels and commercially more activities began to consolidate, which support the construction of a railway, which began to operate in 1874 with the Arequipa - Puno route.
The long history and trajectory of Puno earned it the recognition of Capital of Peruvian Folklore on November 5, 1985.
References
- Agrarian, I. d. (1988). Notes for a history of the struggle for land in Puno during the 20th century: land, violence and peace. Texas: University of Texas.
- Anco, RC (22 of 11 of 2017). History of the City of Puno, the other capital of Puno. Obtained from losandes.com.pe
- iPerú.org. (22 of 11 of 2017). History of Puno. Retrieved from iperu.org
- Puno, MP (22 of 11 of 2017). History of Puno. Obtained from munipuno.gob.pe
- Sebastián Lorente, MT (2005). Foundational writings of Peruvian history. Lima: UNMSM.