Pre-Columbian era

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Map of gene flow in and out of Beringia

America 1000 BCE

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PreColumbian American cultures

Poverty Point Aerial HRoe 2014

Mound City Chillicothe Ohio HRoe 2008

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Cliff Palace

Pre-Columbian era refers to the period in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This era encompasses the history and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the continents of North America, South America, and the Caribbean before European contact. The Pre-Columbian era is marked by significant achievements in areas such as architecture, agriculture, and astronomy, as well as the development of complex societies and expansive trade networks.

History

The history of the Pre-Columbian era is often divided into three periods: the Archaic period, the Formative period, and the Post-Classic period. Each period is characterized by distinct cultural and technological advancements.

Archaic Period

The Archaic period (8000–2000 BCE) saw the first migrations of Paleo-Indian peoples into the Americas, following game across the Bering Land Bridge. During this time, societies were primarily hunter-gatherers, with some beginning to adopt sedentary agriculture towards the end of the period.

Formative Period

The Formative period (2000 BCE–250 CE) witnessed the rise of early Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Olmec, who are often considered the precursor to later cultures like the Maya and the Aztec. This period is characterized by the development of settled communities, the construction of ceremonial centers, and the emergence of social hierarchies.

Post-Classic Period

The Post-Classic period (900–1500 CE) is marked by the dominance of the Aztec in Mexico, the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Inca in South America. These societies developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, built monumental architecture, and maintained extensive trade networks.

Culture

Pre-Columbian cultures were diverse and varied, with each region developing its own distinct traditions and practices. Religion played a central role in many of these societies, with a pantheon of gods who were believed to control natural elements and human activities. The Maya, for example, had a highly developed system of astronomy and mathematics which they used for their elaborate calendar system.

Technology

Pre-Columbian peoples made significant technological advances, including the domestication of crops such as maize, beans, and squash. The Inca are known for their engineering feats, such as the construction of Machu Picchu and an extensive system of roads and bridges across the rugged Andes Mountains.

Impact of European Contact

The arrival of Europeans in the Americas marked the end of the Pre-Columbian era and had a profound impact on the indigenous cultures. Diseases brought by the Europeans decimated the native populations, and the ensuing colonial period led to the subjugation and exploitation of the indigenous peoples.

Legacy

Today, the Pre-Columbian era is studied to understand the rich and diverse histories of the Americas before European contact. Archaeological sites, such as Teotihuacan in Mexico and Tiwanaku in Bolivia, offer insights into these complex societies and their achievements.