The history of Rio Grande do Norte begins with the settlement of the Brazilian territory, when a flood of migrations of primitive people (hunter-gatherer nomads) headed to the Andes, then to the Brazilian Plateau, to the Northeast region, until they reached the place that is now Rio Grande do Norte. Throughout history, its territory suffered invasions by foreign peoples, mainly the French and the Dutch. After being subordinated to the general government of the State of Brazil, Rio Grande do Norte became subordinated to the Captaincy of Pernambuco. In 1822, when Brazil conquered its independence from the Portuguese Empire, Rio Grande do Norte would become a province and, after the fall of the monarchy and the consequent proclamation of the republic, the province became a state, with Pedro de Albuquerque Maranhão as the first governor.[1]