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Rich and interesting, the history of Chile prior to the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors offers an insight into the lives and cultures of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the territory for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Mapuche people were historically the largest and most dominant indigenous community in Chile; furthermore, the culture and traditions of the Mapuche people continue to play an important part in contemporary Chilean society. Before the arrival of the Spanish, Chile was home to a number of different indigenous peoples and cultures. One of them was the Mapuche, but there were others as well.
The most important of these was the Inca Empire, which controlled much of what is now known as northern Chile and had a huge influence on the history and culture of that region. Other indigenous civilizations, such as the Aymara and the Atacameo, also left their influence on Chilean history and continue to be remembered and cherished in modern day Chile. This is especially true of the city of Santiago. Indigenous peoples of Chile were recognized for their sophisticated agricultural methods, expert craftsmanship, and spiritual beliefs. They lived in small villages spread out across the country and were famed for their seclusion. Despite the fact that they lived in relative seclusion, the indigenous people of Chile maintained a sophisticated trading network, which enabled them to engage in cultural and economic interaction with other communities across South America. The entrance of Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Chile. During this time, the indigenous peoples of Chile were gradually integrated into the Spanish colony, and as a result, their cultures and customs were changed irrevocably. In spite of this, indigenous peoples continue to have an impact on contemporary Chilean culture, and their contributions to the history and heritage of the country are honored and recognized.