Just to show you how little most North Americans know about South American history: Miguel Grau was a naval leader regarded as the hero of the War of the Pacific. Heard of that one? You’re not alone, I suspect. The war raged for five years - 1879 to 1884 - and was fought between Chile and Peru.

How popular is he? “In the year 2000, Miguel Grau was recognized as the "Peruvian of the Millennium" by popular vote.”