The American Civilizations

Caral Supe Civilization (3000 - 2500 BC)

3000 BCE

The Caral-Supe civilization is the oldest known advanced civilization in the American continents discovered to date. The Caral Supe were located along the coast of central Peru.

Aztec Civilization (AD 1430 - 1521)

1430 BCE

The best-known civilization in the Americas, I'll wager, is the Aztec civilization, largely because they were at the height of their power and influence when the Spanish arrived.

Inca Civilization (AD 1250 - 1532)

1250 BCE

The Inca civilization was the largest civilization in the Americas when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century. Known for their unique writing system (called the quipu), a magnificent road system.

Olmec Civilization (1200 - 400 BC)

1200 BCE

The Olmec civilization flourished on the gulf coast of Mexico and constructed the first stone pyramids in the North American continent. The Olmec had kings, built enormous pyramids, invented the Mesoamerican ballgame, domesticated beans and developed the earliest writing in the Americas. the Olmec domesticated the cacao tree, and gave the world chocolate!

Mississippian Civilization (AD 1000 - 1500)

1000 BCE

The Mississippian culture is a term used by archaeologists to refer to cultures inhabiting the length of the Mississippi River

Wari Civilization (AD 750 - 1000)

750 BCE

In direct competition with Tiwanaku was the Wari (also spelled Huari) state. The Wari state was located in the central Andes mountains of Peru, and their impact on the succeeding civilizations is remarkable, seen at sites such as Pachacamac.

Maya Civilization (500 BC - 800 AD)

500 BCE

The Maya were a group of independent city-states, which shared cultural qualities such as their amazing complex artwork, particularly murals, their advanced water control system, and their graceful pyramids.

Zapotec Civilization (500 BC - 750 AD)

500 BCE

The capital city of the Zapotec Civilization is Monte Alban in the valley of Oaxaca in central Mexico. The capital is also known for its astronomical observatory Building J and Los Danzantes, a stunning carved record of captive and slain warriors and kings.

Tiwanaku Empire (AD 500 - 950)

500 BCE

Their distinctive architecture shows evidence of construction by work groups. During its heyday, Tiwanaku (also spelled Tiahuanaco) controlled much of the southern Andes and coastline of South America.

Nasca Civilization (AD 1- 700)

1 BCE