Vast Civilizations Existed in America Before the Europeans
By Patricia Ann Talley, Editor
The history of the Americas is usually taught beginning with the arrival of the Europeans and from a European cultural perspective. But, we all must remember that the land called “America” was already inhabited by vast civilizations before the Europeans arrived. There are Native Maps that show the presence of civilizations and tribes in the Americas.
The Olmecs from Africa
It is still debated whether the ancient Olmec Civilization, which originated from Africa, came to Mesoamerica before Columbus. The Olmec culture developed in the centuries before 1200 BC (BCE), and declined around 400 BC.1 The Olmecs are best known for their giant head sculptures that are found in Mexico.
Listen to this lecture by Dr.Ivan Van Sertima – They Came Before Columbus
Map of Native Tribes
The ancestors of living Native Americans arrived in North America about 15 thousand years ago. As a result, a wide diversity of communities, societies, and cultures finally developed on the continent over the millennia. The population figure for Indigenous peoples in the Americas before the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus was 70 million or more.
History of Ancient Mexico – Watch the Video!
The following video give a short recap of the Native Tribes and their history in Mexico.
Let us remember and honor those of our “First Nation”!
References:
- Aztec History.com. The Olmec Civilization. http://www.aztec-history.com/olmec-civilization.html
- Native American Culture Regions
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