A Brief History of Peru provides a concise yet comprehensive narrative of Peruvian history from the first civilizations established on the slopes of the Andes around the second millennium BCE through the most recent social unrest and political developments. From the accomplishments of early civilizations that culminated in the great Inca Empire of the 14th to 16th centuries to Spanish conquest and colonization; from independence in 1821 to the election of centrist leader Alejandro Toledo for president in June 2001 Peru's history is presented in a clear narrative line and with a non-specialist audience in mind. Special attention is given to: