Quito is the oldest South American capital and retains much of its colonial aspect. The site of Quito was settled during the 1st millennium AD, and it became successively the fortified capital of several native groups, including the Quito. In 1487 the city was annexed by the Incas, and in 1534 it was captured by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar, a lieutenant of Francisco Pizarro.
The Spanish made it the capital of the presidency of Quito. In 1822 the city was liberated by Antonio José de Sucre, a commander of the South American troops in their revolt against Spanish rule. Quito was Ecuador's chief economic center until the early 20th century, when it was displaced by Guayaquil. The city was damaged by several earthquakes in the 19th century.
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