Historia

Arrival of the First Humans in the Americas

40,000 BCE

40,000 - 15,000 B.C.
Early humans cross from Asia to the Americas via the Bering land bridge, likely following large herds of animals during the last Ice Age.

Development of Archaic Cultures

10,000 BCE

10,000 - 4,000 B.C.
During this period, hunter-gatherer societies begin to develop more advanced technologies like stone tools and pottery. Some permanent settlements are established in certain areas.

Early Agriculture and First Civilizations

3500 BCE

3,500 - 1,500 B.C.
Corn, beans, and squash are domesticated in Mesoamerica. Early sedentary cultures emerge, with significant advancements in agriculture and social organization.

Formation of the Maya Civilization

2000 BCE

2000 B.C. - A.D. 250 (Preclassic Period)
The Maya civilization begins to take shape in Mesoamerica, developing advanced agricultural techniques, architecture, and hieroglyphic writing. The construction of large cities such as El Mirador marks this period.

The End of Pre-Hispanic Civilizations

1600 BCE

16th Century
With the fall of the Aztec and Inca empires, most of the major pre-Hispanic civilizations in the Americas are subjugated by the Spanish, marking the end of indigenous rule and the beginning of the colonial period.

The Fall of the Inca Empire

1532 BCE

A.D. 1532 - 1533
In South America, the Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, capture the Inca emperor Atahualpa and swiftly bring down the Inca Empire.

The Spanish Conquest of Mesoamerica

1519 BCE

A.D. 1519 - 1521
Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrive in Mesoamerica and, through alliances and warfare, bring about the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Rise of the Olmec Civilization

1500 BCE

1,500 - 400 B.C.
The Olmec, considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, establish complex societies in present-day southern Mexico. They build monumental stone heads and develop early forms of writing and calendar systems.

The Inca Empire

1438 BCE

A.D. 1438 - 1533
In South America, the Inca Empire rises in the Andes, with its capital at Cusco. It becomes the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, known for its vast road network, agricultural terraces, and stone architecture, such as Machu Picchu.

The Aztec Empire

1325 BCE

A.D. 1325 - 1521
The Mexica, later known as the Aztecs, found their capital, Tenochtitlan, in the Valley of Mexico. By the early 16th century, the Aztec Empire dominates much of central Mexico, excelling in trade, agriculture, and warfare.

The Rise of the Toltecs

900 BCE

A.D. 900 - 1150
The Toltecs establish their capital at Tula in central Mexico. They are known for their military prowess and influence on later civilizations, particularly the Aztecs, who would adopt many of their cultural elements.

The Classical Maya Civilization

250 BCE

A.D. 250 - 900
This period marks the peak of the Maya civilization, with the construction of major city-states such as Tikal, Palenque, and Copán. The Maya excel in mathematics, astronomy, and the creation of sophisticated calendars.

Teotihuacan and the Classic Period

100 BCE

A.D. 100 - 650
The city of Teotihuacan flourishes in central Mexico, becoming one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Its influence spreads throughout Mesoamerica, especially through its monumental pyramids and urban planning.