Ancient Americas

Ancient Mesoamerica had one of the most incredible calendars ever devised. Discover how they created and used this calendar to track their history and the cosmos.

How did simple fishermen and farmers on the Peruvian coast create the foundation for all later Andean culture? Find out as we discuss the Norte Chico civilization and how they influenced later civilizations to come.

The Olmec were the first great civilization of Mesoamerica. Despite being late comers, they bloomed with incredible speed and left an enduring legacy across all of Central America.

Why did Maya writing remain undecipherable for so long and how was it finally cracked? Find out how this long enigmatic script was finally deciphered and how centuries of recorded Maya history were unlocked.

Poverty Point is the earliest city in North America the largest for centuries. What made such an impressive city possible at a time with no equal. Find out how and why Poverty Point was the anomaly of North America's Archaic period.

Chavin de Huantar dominated the Early Horizon period of Andean history. But why did one small highland city exert such a tremendous influence over the northern Peruvian coast?

Maize is one of humanity's most incredible achievements and it allowed Ancient American culture to blossom and thrive. Discover the fascinating story of this plant and how it transformed the Americas.

Who were the first Americans and how did they arrive in the Americas? The settlement of the Americas is one of the most studied and enigmatic topics in Ancient American history and not without controversy. Find out why this simple question is so puzzling to so many scientists and archaeologists.