Civilizations began in the Americas long before Europeans thought they did. The Olmecs and the Mayas were two of the first. Other peoples lived in North and Central America. Find out more about their stories here.
The Mayas
The Mayas were an incredibly advanced civilization that roamed and settled in and about modern-day Mexico and Central America. Find out more about the Mayas here.
The Incas
Far-flung empire along the western coast of South America had many advanced features but no wheel and met a bad end at the hands of invading Spaniards.
The Aztecs
Known throughout the Americas as one of the most comprehensive civilizations of ancient and medieval times, they met a horrible fat at the hands of conquistadors.
Timelines of Ancient North and South America
A short list of dates and places for the ancient American cultures. Doing a report on the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayas? Get your dates straight here.
Ancient Latin America
This site has a cool clickable map. Choose a part of Central or South America, click on it, and find out about what life was like in that part of the world before the Europeans arrived.
The People and History of Mexico
Much more than a timeline, this tremendous resource is also a series of links to words and pictures that bring the history of Mexico to life, from the very beginnings. This site is an excellent example of how the study of history must include people, not just dates and places.
The Olmec Mystery System
Extremely detailed yet entertaining and image-filled look at the Olmecs, one of the very first civilizations in Central or South America.
The Anasazi, Olmecs, and Toltecs
Easy-to-navigate study of three peoples of ancient America. This is rich with links to maps, images, and primary sources.
