Pre-Columbian America

Pre-Columbian America refers to the history and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This period spans thousands of years and includes diverse civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, among others. These societies developed advanced agriculture, architecture, and trade networks. They had rich spiritual traditions and social structures, creating art and technology well-suited to their environments. The term emphasizes the achievements and complexities of Indigenous cultures prior to European contact, which significantly changed the continent's demographic and cultural landscape.