Timeline of Chile

Chronology

40 events spanning the history of Chile. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1520

   Ferdinand Magellan first European to sight (but not identify) Chilean shores.

   Ferdinand Magellan first European to sight (but not identify) Chilean shores.

2. 1535 – 1537

   Diego de Almagro leads first Spanish expedition to explore Chile.

   Diego de Almagro leads first Spanish expedition to explore Chile.

3. 1540

   Period of military rule under General Pinochet.

   Pedro de Valdivia conquers Chile.

4. 1541

   Valdivia founds Santiago.

   Valdivia founds Santiago.

5. 1553 – 1558

   Indigenous Araucanian uprising.

   Indigenous Araucanian uprising.

6. 1557

   Mapuche rebel chief Lautaro defeated.

   Mapuche rebel chief Lautaro defeated.

7. 1603

   First army-like force, or militia, established in Chile.

   First army-like force, or militia, established in Chile.

8. 1609

   Pope Paul V authorizes war against Araucanians.

   Pope Paul V authorizes war against Araucanians.

9. 1643

   Indians help Spaniards repel invasion of southern Chile by Brouwer expedition

   Although warfare against Araucanians continues, Indians help Spaniards repel invasion of southern Chile by Brouwer expedition.

10. 1647

    Earthquake destroys Santiago.

    Earthquake destroys Santiago.