Précolombianas

Précolombianas (often translated as pre-Columbian) refers to the diverse societies and cultures of the American continents that existed before sustained contact with Europe after Christopher Columbus’s voyages begun in 1492. The term is a chronological label rather than a single culture, spanning thousands of years and a wide range of geographic regions, languages, and political systems.

Regions and notable cultures: In Mesoamerica, civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec flourished from roughly 1500 BCE to the early 16th century CE. In the Andean region, cultures from Caral-Supe (Norte Chico) around 3500–1800 BCE to civilizations such as Moche, Nazca, Tiwanaku, Wari, and ultimately the Inca developed extensive urban and ceremonial centers. Other areas included diverse Amazonian and Caribbean cultures with distinct traditions and networks.

Achievements and features: Précolombianas are known for monumental architecture, urban planning, and expansive trade and road systems. They produced sophisticated calendars and astronomical knowledge (notably the Maya), advanced metallurgy and ceramics, and innovative agriculture, including terrace farming, chinampas, and the domestication of crops such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa.

Legacy and scholarship: The arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century brought dramatic demographic and cultural changes and disruption to many communities. Modern archaeology and anthropology emphasize the region’s diversity, complexity, and long histories, rather than treating précolombianas as a single, uniform tradition.