The territory where the actual coastal department of Piura is situated, was inhabited in ancient times by the “Tallanes”. Later on, the area was influenced by the Cimu Kingdom and since about 500 B.C. ´till 500 A.C., flourished “Vicús” with the same local cultural importance. That culture distinguished itself by its pottery inspired in a variety of zoological species (it copied and recreated the “Mochica” culture) and by its delicate goldsmithery (ceremonial vases, pectorals with small golden discs, figurines, nasal ornaments and pendents, among others).

When the Inca Empire of the Tahuantinsuyo extended its conquests to the North, it had to face a fierce and prolonged resistence from the Ayahuacas and Huancabambas. During the Colony, San Miguel de Piura was the first city founded by the Spanish.