section_path: History/Pre-colonial period
section_name: Pre-colonial period
paragraph_text: Pre-colonial period
  
  Portuguese Empire 1554–1815 United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves 1815–1822 Empire of Brazil 1822–1889 Republic of Brazil 1889–present
  
  The region of modern-day São Paulo, then known as Piratininga plains around the Tietê River, was inhabited by the Tupi people, such as the Tupiniquim, Guaianás, and Guarani. Other tribes also lived in areas that today form the metropolitan region.
  
  The region was divided in Caciquedoms (chiefdoms) at the time of encounter with the Europeans. The most notable cacique was Tibiriçá, known for his support for the Portuguese and other European colonists. Among the many indigenous names of places, rivers, neighborhoods, etc., that survive today are Tietê, Ipiranga, Tamanduateí, Anhangabaú, Piratininga, Itaquaquecetuba, Cotia, Itapevi, Barueri, Embu-Guaçu, etc.