DATES

AT CHAN CHAN

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

c.850 C.E.

The Chimor Kingdom emerges, with Chan Chan as its capital.

c.900-1050

The Chimor Kingdom begins to expand locally.

In 950, the Kingdom of Ghana, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Timbuktu, reaches the height of its power. The Japanese warrior class, the Samurai, rises c. 1000.

c.1100

El Niño damages the Chimu irrigation system causing the empire to rely more on resources acquired by expansion.

In 1086, William the Conqueror orders the Domesday Book, a remarkably thorough survey of land ownership in England that helps him appraise his new domain.

c.1130

Several centuries after its birth, the Chimor Empire begins a more ambitious stage of imperial conquest.

c.1200

The Chimor Empire reaches the height of its power.

In 1215, the Magna Carta (Great Charter) is signed, limiting the power of the British monarchy. That same year, Genghis Khan overruns northern China, one of his first steps in building his vast Mongol Empire.

c.1470

The Inca conquer the Chimor Empire, abducting the Chimu king, Minchancaman, and many of the imperial artisans.

In 1438, the Incan Empire is founded in Peru. Over fifty years later, in 1492, Christopher Columbus, seeking a passage to China and the Indies, instead lands at the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola (the island that now includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

1532-1821

The Spanish arrive in Peru, beginning three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. In 1534 the conquistador Diego de Almagro founds the city of Trujillo; and in 1535 Francisco Pizarro founds the city of Lima as the seat of government for the Viceroyship of Peru. That same year, the Spanish begin mining for gold and silver in Chan Chan.

In 1521, Hernan Cortez captures the Aztec capital, completing the conquest of Mexico for the Crown of Spain.


In 1539, Spanish forces under Hernando de Soto conquer Florida and the Gulf Coast.

1821

General José de San Martín declares Peru's independence.

In 1776, America declares independence from Britain. Thirteen years later, in 1789, the French Revolution begins. In 1821, Mexico gains its independence.

1822

Supreme Decree 89 is issued, declaring National ownership of all archeological monuments in Peru, expressly forbidding the removal of cultural items.

In 1822, Liberia is founded by freed American slaves.

1833

The first Magna Carta of Peru declares that archeological cultural items are protected by the State.

1929

Law 6634 is passed, declaring Chan Chan a National Monument.

In 1929, Wall Street crash begins a world economic depression.

1963-1969

The first intensive research and restoration is carried out at Chan Chan, concentrating on the Tschudi Palace and the Rainbow and Emerald Burial Grounds under the auspices of the Freedom Archeological Institute of the Peruvian Ministry of Education.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act is passed by the United States Congress. In 1966, the Cultural Revolution begins in China. In 1968, Prague Spring occurs when a liberal Communist regime in Czechoslovakia is overthrown by Moscow.

1969-1974

The Chan Chan-Moche Valley project begins. Detailed maps of the site are created and the first major excavations begin.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong becomes the first man on the moon.

1970

The first National Culture Institute is established in Peru under the Freedom Archeological Institute of the Peruvian Ministry of Education. Research, conservation and restoration of the Cultural Heritage Monuments are among its responsibilities.

In 1970, Salvador Allende, a Marxist, is elected President of Chile.

1975

The first interdisciplinary archeological research and conservation work is carried out at Chan Chan, concentrating on the Tschudi Palace and other palaces on the site under the auspices of the Freedom National Culture Institute (INC).

From that year until the present, the Freedom Department of the INC has continued to perform regular interdisciplinary research, conservation, and protection work as well as publicizing the monument. The archeological excavations reveal important facts about Chan Chan's history.

In 1975, Khmer Rouge, under Pol Pot, comes to power after winning the Cambodian civil war. In that same year, North Vietnam conquers South and reunites the country under Ho Chi Minh.

1986

Chan Chan is placed on the World Heritage List and on the World Heritage List in Danger.

In 1986, the Marcos dictatorship is overthrown in the Philippines.

1990

The Odebretch Foundation donates the Chan Chan Site Museum to the State of Peru. The organization and display are carried out by the Freedom National Culture Institute.

In 1990 Nelson Mandela is released from prison, after serving 27 years. In that same year, Boris Yeltsin is elected president of the Russian Federation.

1998-2000

The "Master Plan for Conservation and Management of the Chan Chan Archeological Complex" is drawn up by the Freedom National Culture Institute of Peru with contributions from the World Heritage Foundation - WHR, ICCROM and GCI. The Plan is approved by the Peruvian Government, with involvement at the highest levels up until today.

In 1998, India and Pakistan perform nuclear weapons testing, provoking international fears of a developing arms race in South Asia.