The Viceroyalty of Peru was a major administrative division of the Spanish Empire in South America, established in 1542. It encompassed a vast territory, including present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Chile and Argentina. The viceroyalty was crucial for Spain's colonial ambitions, serving as a center for trade, governance, and the spread of Catholicism. The capital of the viceroyalty was Lima, which became a cultural and economic hub. The viceroy, appointed by the Spanish crown, held significant power and was responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes. The viceroyalty played a key role in the exploitation of resources, particularly silver, which fueled Spain's