The World Before Columbus: Native Peoples and the Americas: History Books For Kids, #7

Prologue

Long before ships sailed across the Atlantic and explorers dreamed of new lands, the Americas were already alive with stories, cultures, and civilizations. From the icy tundras of the Arctic to the steamy jungles of the Amazon, the people of these lands built a world rich with innovation, connection, and meaning.

Imagine a time when cities rose high into the sky, built with stone so expertly placed they have stood for centuries. Picture vast networks of trails winding through mountains and deserts, linking communities across thousands of miles. These were not untamed or empty lands but vibrant homes to millions of people who adapted to every environment—from snow-covered peaks to fertile valleys, from windswept plains to coastal shores.

The people of the Americas thrived in harmony with their surroundings. They learned the secrets of growing food in harsh climates, built homes from the natural materials around them, and crafted tools to hunt, fish, and farm. They studied the stars to mark time, honored the earth through ceremonies, and passed down stories that kept their traditions alive.

Each region held its own mysteries and marvels. The Aztec Empire flourished with towering pyramids and bustling marketplaces. The Maya charted the heavens and carved their history into stone. The Inca carved out a network of roads across the Andes, while the Native peoples of North America created art, legends, and homes perfectly suited to their environments.

But this is not just the story of great civilizations. It is also the story of everyday life—how families worked together, how children learned from their elders, and how people lived in harmony with the plants, animals, and landscapes around them.

As we journey through this book, we’ll uncover the incredible ways Native peoples shaped the Americas long before Christopher Columbus set foot on these shores. Their world was complex, beautiful, and full of ingenuity. It was a world ready to be discovered—not by explorers from faraway lands, but by us, today, as we uncover the stories of the people who called the Americas home.

Welcome to the world before Columbus, where history comes alive in every corner of the land.

Chapter 1: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas

Long before Christopher Columbus set foot in the Americas, vast and vibrant civilizations thrived across the continents. These ancient peoples built incredible cities, created complex systems of government, mastered agriculture, and developed fascinating cultures, each unique in its way. They didn’t rely on the technologies of Europe but instead crafted ingenious solutions to the challenges of their environments. Let’s journey back in time and explore the rich tapestry of civilizations that once flourished in the Americas.

One of the most famous ancient civilizations was the Maya, who lived in the tropical rainforests of Central America. Their culture stretched across modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya were exceptional builders, creating towering pyramids like those at Tikal and Chichen Itza. These structures were not just impressive monuments but also served as temples for their gods and places to observe the stars. The Maya were keen astronomers and mathematicians, developing a calendar that was incredibly accurate. They even had a written language, carving their stories and knowledge onto stone tablets and inside books made of bark.

To the north, in what is now the southwestern United States, the Ancestral Puebloans (sometimes called the Anasazi) created stunning cliff dwellings like those at Mesa Verde. These homes were built into the sides of cliffs, providing protection from enemies and the harsh desert environment. The Ancestral Puebloans were skilled farmers, growing crops like corn, beans, and squash in an arid land where water was scarce. They used advanced irrigation techniques to make the most of the water available, showing just how resourceful they were.

Further south, the Aztec civilization rose to power in the valley of central Mexico. The Aztecs built Tenochtitlán, a city so grand it astonished European explorers. The city was located on an island in the middle of a vast lake and was connected to the mainland by long causeways. Tenochtitlán had bustling markets, impressive temples, and even a system of floating gardens called chinampas, where the Aztecs grew food to feed their large population. The Aztecs were fierce warriors and skilled traders, creating a vast empire that controlled much of central Mexico.

In South America, the Inca civilization stretched along the Andes Mountains, covering parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The Inca were master engineers, building a network of roads that spanned their empire. These roads connected cities like Cusco, the Inca capital, to other parts of their territory, allowing messengers to travel quickly and efficiently. The Inca also built incredible stone structures, such as the famous Machu Picchu, which still stands as a testament to their skill. They didn’t use mortar to hold the stones together, yet their buildings were so well constructed that many have survived earthquakes.

The Inca were also remarkable farmers. They grew crops on steep mountain slopes by creating terraces, flat areas carved into the hillsides, which prevented soil erosion and allowed water to flow evenly. Their main crop was the potato, but they also cultivated maize, quinoa, and many other plants. They raised llamas and alpacas for their wool and as pack animals to carry goods along their mountain roads.

In the far north, the Inuit thrived in the icy Arctic regions of what is now Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. Despite the harsh, freezing climate, the Inuit developed ingenious ways to survive. They hunted seals, whales, and fish for food and built igloos as temporary shelters. The Inuit also made clothing from animal skins, which kept them warm even in the coldest temperatures. They relied on the natural resources around them and worked together as a community to endure the challenging environment.

These civilizations, along with countless others, each contributed to the rich history of the Americas before European arrival. They created art, music, and traditions that reflected their deep connection to the land and the spirits they believed guided their lives. Their achievements show how humans, no matter where they live, can adapt, innovate, and thrive in diverse environments.

The ancient civilizations of the Americas were not isolated from one another. They traded goods and ideas,