Peru's history is profoundly marked by its pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations, especially the Inca Empire, which left an extraordinary legacy of complex social structures and spiritual traditions. The arrival of Spanish people introduced new cultural elements and Catholicism, which blended with indigenous beliefs to create a unique spiritual landscape. The country's vast natural resources, particularly minerals, influenced its economic development, while the resilience of its diverse people groups has kept their colorful traditions, music, and deeply rooted community rituals central to national identity.