“IN THE KINGDOM WHERE EARTH IS LIKE THE SEA”: THE 1730 EARTHQUAKE OF CONCEPCION IN LIMA FUNDADA BY PEDRO DE PERALTA BARNUEVO

Abstract

This article is divided into two parts: a study of Pedro de Peralta’s verses on the 1730 earthquake of Concepción, included in his epic poem Lima fundada o Conquista del Perú (Lima, 1732); and a critical edition of them (octaves 55-70 of Canto VII). The study analyzes Peralta’s poem and creates a context for the understanding of earthquake narratives in colonial Andes, proposing that they serve to symbolically link distant geographical areas to the center of the Viceroyalty, and to open spaces for Criollo politics and the praise of dignitaries, such as Bishop Escandón; as well to construct an exemplary scene of Catholic charity and piety. The study also analyzes the limits of the epic genre and official discourse in Lima fundada