Lima was named after the Spanish pronunciation of its indigenous name, “Rimac.” The word “Rimac” means “talker” or “speaker” in the Quechua language, which was spoken by the local inhabitants before the Spanish colonization.
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Lima, the capital city of Peru, derived its name from the indigenous language Quechua. The native inhabitants referred to the area as “Rimac,” which means “talker” or “speaker” in Quechua. When the Spanish arrived and established their presence in the region, they adopted the indigenous name but pronounced it as “Lima” in Spanish.
This transformation of names is a common occurrence during the colonization period as conquerors frequently modified indigenous names to fit their own languages and pronunciations. In the case of Lima, the Spanish pronunciation of “Rimac” stuck, eventually becoming the widely recognized name for the city.
Here are some interesting facts about Lima:
- Oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas: Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The historic center of Lima, known as the “City of the Kings,” was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its exceptional preservation of Spanish colonial architecture.
- Gastronomic capital of South America: Lima has gained international recognition for its diverse and innovative culinary scene. In recent years, it has been hailed as the gastronomic capital of South America, with numerous acclaimed restaurants and talented chefs.
- City of parks: Lima is renowned for its green spaces and parks. It boasts numerous parks and gardens, including the famous Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit), which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in the world.
- Home to Huaca Pucllana: One of Lima’s iconic archaeological sites is Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe and clay pyramid that dates back to the pre-Inca Lima culture. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s ancient history.
To summarize, Lima acquired its name from the indigenous word “Rimac” but underwent a Spanish pronunciation modification to become “Lima.” This transformation is emblematic of the cultural synthesis that occurred during the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
As the famous anthropologist, Wade Davis, once said, “Native names are not merely something to be translated and then forgotten. They carry within them centuries of traditional knowledge and give insight into an ancient way of knowing.” This quote highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the indigenous origins of place names, such as Lima, to appreciate the cultural and historical significance they hold.
Table: Famous Landmarks in Lima
| Landmark | Description |
|---|---|
| Historic Center of Lima | Preserves the essence of Spanish colonial architecture. |
| Huaca Pucllana | Ancient pyramid showcasing Lima’s pre-Inca history. |
| Magic Water Circuit | Largest fountain complex in the world, offering mesmerizing light and water shows. |
| Larco Museum | Houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. |
| Plaza de Armas | Main central square with beautiful colonial architecture and historic significance. |
Response to your question in video format
The video titled “Progress in Peru – the story of Lima’s slums” discusses the challenges faced by residents of slums in Lima, Peru, such as limited housing, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation services. The government is working to improve these conditions by implementing programs, but there is still a long way to go. However, the video also highlights the resourcefulness and determination of the slum dwellers in improving their living conditions through collaboration, saving money, and building their own homes. The community members express their desire for basic services and emphasize the importance of trees for their well-being.
There are other opinions
Shortly after its founding, the city lost its original name. The inhabitants of the area of Lima during the Spanish’s arrival, who were subservient to the Incas, called the area “Limaq“. The Spanish, however, couldn’t pronounce the final “q”, so they dropped it, thus creating the city we now know and love as “Lima.”
A common misconception in Latin America is that the city of Lima is named after the lime fruit. This could be forgiven considering lima literally translates to lime which also happens to be the most essential ingredient in ceviche, the city’s signature dish. In reality, however, the origins of the name have nothing to do with fruit or seafood.
According to a user from the United Arab Emirates, the name Lima is of Arabic origin and means "Star beside the moon".
The capital of Peru. The letter L in the ICAO spelling alphabet. Lima ( LEE-mə; Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlima]), originally founded as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of The Kings) is the capital and largest city of Peru.
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Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on the Catholic holiday of Epiphany, when the Three Kings visited the baby Jesus, and was therefore known as Ciudad de los Reyes or City of the Kings.
1. the capital of Peru, near the Pacific coast on the Rímac River: the centre of Spanish colonization in South America; university founded in 1551 (the oldest in South America); an industrial centre with a port at nearby Callao.
Satellite view is showing Lima, nickname: El Pulpo (The Octopus), the commercial and industrial center and the capital of Peru. The city is located at the Pacific Ocean in the central coastal part of the country in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers.