Evidence of settlement in Peru dates back thousands of years. But, except for some scattered ruins, little is known of these early peoples. The Chimú people built the city of Chan Chan about AD 1000, which exists as ruins today.
The Native American heritage of Peru is one of the richest in South America. Although Spain gave Peru its primary language, religion, and rulers, the civilization of the Inca has left its traces throughout Peruvian culture. Archaeological excavations have uncovered monumental remains of Native American societies.
Along the coast and in the highland cities, the whites, mestizos, and blacks live in a modern Western style. In contrast to these settlements are the jungles of eastern Peru, where more isolated groups of Native Americans retain lifestyles similar to those of their ancestors.
