Real Audiencia of Lima

The Real Audiencia and Chancery of Lima was an important court in Spain's New World empire. It was in the city of Lima, the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

The court was created on November 20, 1542, by Emperor Charles V, at the same time as the viceroyalty.

When it started working in 1543, the Audiencia controlled the whole viceroyalty. This meant it covered most of Spanish-controlled South America and Panama. Later, other similar courts called audiencias were set up in different parts of the Viceroyalty.

The Real Audiencia of Lima worked for many years until 1821. That year, forces led by José de San Martín entered Lima, and the Audiencia stopped its work. It helped govern many people in South America during its time.

Subsequent divisions

In 1559, part of the Lima Audiencia's area was split to create a new Audiencia of Charcas. In 1563, another audiencia was set up in Quito for the northern lands. By 1680, the Lima Audiencia covered a big area along the coast from Lima to the Kingdom of Chile and up to the Port of Paita. Inland, its reach went to places like San Miguel de Piura, Cajamarca, and Chachapoyas, among others, bordering regions governed by the Royal Audiencia of la Plata and the City of Cusco.