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99,999 BCE
3.9 - 3 million years ago:: Australopithecus afarensis
Famous for the fossil "Lucy," this species walked upright and lived in Africa. It represents a crucial stage in the evolution of bipedalism. -
99,998 BCE
2.8 - 2.5 million years ago: Homo habilis:
The earliest species in the genus Homo, known for using stone tools. This species marked a significant leap in brain size and tool use compared to earlier hominins. -
99,997 BCE
1.9 million years ago: Homo erectus:
A key ancestor of modern humans, H. erectus was the first to spread out of Africa and is thought to have been the first to use fire and more advanced tools. Found across Africa and Asia. -
Period: 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE
First Humans in the Americas
The earliest humans arrived in the Americas, likely via the Bering Land Bridge from Asia during the last Ice Age. -
Period: 10,000 BCE to 8000 BCE
Paleo-Indian Period
Early humans in the Americas engaged in hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Evidence of large mammal hunting, such as mammoths and mastodons, in regions of Mesoamerica. -
7000 BCE
Early Agriculture
The domestication of maize (corn) begins in central Mexico. Over time, agriculture expanded to include beans, squash, and chili peppers. -
5000 BCE
Semi-Sedentary Villages
Early sedentary agricultural villages begin to form as people rely increasingly on farming. -
Period: 3500 BCE to 2000 BCE
Development of Pottery
The use of pottery emerges, reflecting a shift toward more complex sedentary societies. -
Period: 2000 BCE to 1200 BCE
First Permanent Settlements
Larger villages and early ceremonial centers begin to form. Agriculture becomes the primary subsistence strategy, and society begins to stratify. -
Period: 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE
Rise of the Olmec Civilization
The Olmec, often called the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, build large ceremonial centers like San Lorenzo and La Venta. They introduce monumental stone sculptures (e.g., colossal heads) and influence later civilizations. -
Period: 1200 BCE to 400 BCE
Olmec Cultural Influence
Olmec influence spreads throughout Mesoamerica, introducing art, religion, and political organization that would impact later cultures, including the Maya and Zapotec. -
Period: 900 BCE to 400 BCE
Early Zapotec Civilization
The Zapotec begin to develop in Oaxaca, founding their capital at Monte Albán. -
800 BCE
Early Maya Settlements
Early Maya communities begin to emerge in the Yucatán Peninsula and parts of Guatemala, laying the foundation for future city-states. -
Period: 300 to 900
The Maya Classic Period
The Maya civilization reaches its peak, building large city-states such as Tikal, Palenque, and Copán. The Maya excel in mathematics, astronomy, and writing (Maya hieroglyphs), and construct impressive pyramids and temples. -
Period: 400 to 700
Zapotec Civilization at Monte Albán
Monte Albán continues to grow as a major center for the Zapotec culture. The city includes pryamids, temples, and a unique writing system. -
Period: 900 to 1200
Toltec Empire
The Toltec civilization emerges, centered at Tula in central Mexico. The Toltecs are known for their military prowess and influence on later cultures, including the Aztec. -
Period: 900 to 1521
Late Maya Period
Maya civilization continues in some areas, but many of the major city-states decline. However, cities like Chichen Itza and Mayapan in the northern Yucatán flourish during this period. -
Period: 1200 to 1521
Aztec Civilization
The Aztecs (Mexica) establish their capital at Tenochtitlán in 1325 CE. They create a powerful empire through conquest and tribute, controlling much of central Mexico by the early 16th century. -
1400
Toltec Empire
Toltec successors created an empire that lasted 3 centuries until the 15th century -
1492
1492: Columbus Arrives in the Americas
Christopher Columbus, sailing under the Spanish flag, lands in the Caribbean, marking the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. -
1492
1494: Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal divide the New World along a demarcation line, giving Spain control over much of the Americas, setting the stage for future conquests. -
1511
1511: Spanish Conquest of Cuba
Diego Velázquez leads the conquest of Cuba, establishing Spanish control over the island and setting up a base for further exploration. -
1518
1517-1518: Early Expeditions to Mexico
1517: Francisco Hernández de Córdoba explores the Yucatán Peninsula, encountering Maya civilizations.
1518: Juan de Grijalva leads another expedition along the Gulf of Mexico, reporting wealthy and powerful cities.