Piura was inhabited by two groups of natives called the tallanes, who were of Caribbean origin, and the yungas. The people of these groups lived without organization or a leader until another group, the mochicas took over. These groups evolved into the Vicús Culture, and they controlled the area for centuries. The Vicús culture is revered by archaeologists and collectors for the intricate and beautiful pottery they created. At least 40 years before the Spanish arrived, Piura was taken over by Inca Yupanqui, who was the tenth ruler of the Inca Empire.
When the Spanish arrived in 1532, they established Piura, which is the oldest Spanish city in Peru. 

After the Spanish Conquest the area developed a strong mestizo, which means mixed race from European and Native American ancestry.