Abimael Guzmán was a Peruvian revolutionary leader and the founder of the Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla group. Born on December 3, 1934, in Arequipa, Peru, he was a former philosophy professor who became known for his radical ideas and commitment to armed struggle. Guzmán aimed to overthrow the Peruvian government and establish a communist state. In the 1980s, the Shining Path gained notoriety for its violent tactics, including bombings and assassinations. Guzmán was captured in 1992, leading to a significant decline in the group's influence. He was sentenced to life in prison and remained a controversial figure in Peru's history until his death on September 11, 2021.