Historical Usage
The term roto has been used in Peru since the times of the Spanish conquest, when Diego de Almagro's disappointed troops returned to Cuzco (after a failed gold-seeking expedition in Chile) with their torn clothes, due to the extensive and laborious passage on foot through the Atacama desert. This term became more used after the Chilean campaigns against the Peru-Bolivian Confederation in 1839 and the War of the Pacific (1879–84) because it was the first time that large numbers of Chileans entered Peruvian territory.
The figure of the Chilean Roto is commemorated by very diverse organisations and actors such as the Chilean Army, ultra-nationalist activists, the Communist Party and local organisations of ordinary citizens. The Army has a particular appreciation to the figure which was regarded as the main hero – a collective and anonymous hero- of some of the most crucial battles in the war against Peru and Bolivia. In this context, the webpage of the Chilean Army states:
The patriotism, bravery and heroism was embodied in the Chilean roto, who represents the ordinary man that left all to fight for its "country". This was the one who fought in Yungay and characterise himself by his fierceness and determination.
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