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Beyond the Bloodshed: Shared Traits of Pre-Columbian Civilizations
Pre-Columbian civilizations began to form long before the inhabitants of the Old Continent arrived on their lands. Unfortunately, the discovery of the New World led to their extinction. What do we know about these fascinating peoples? Find the answer below.
When Christopher Columbus reached the shore of the island of Guanahani on October 12, 1492, he did not expect that he had discovered a whole new world. Nor did he know that deep in the continent lived an advanced community whose beliefs and customs had nothing in common with European culture.
The areas of Mesoamerica were inhabited by numerous tribes that formed unique cultural circles. Each of the pre-Columbian cultures has its place in history, but it should be noted that the greatest influence on the shape of Central and South America at that time was exerted by three civilizations: Mayans, Aztecs and Incas.
History of pre-Columbian civilizations
The history of Mesoamerica and the civilizations that inhabited the area is divided into five periods:
- paleoindian
- archaic,
- preclassic,
- classical,
- post-classical.
