The history of pre-Columbian America for the most part has remained in oblivion. To some extent, this is due to neglect of historical documents and culture. And also invaders of foreign lands always try to erase all references and achievements of previous residents.
In America, there were dozens of ancient civilizations, quite developed and prosperous. They possessed their unique culture and history, which was passed down from generation to generation. But it’s impossible to erase everything. The remains of ancient civilizations allow us to look into their history and culture. Let's get to know the ten ancient civilizations that once flourished in America.
1
Fort action
Fort Aischent was a civilization that inhabited the banks of the Ohio River for several hundred years. Archaeologists note the years of their development between 1000 and 1750 years of our era. The culture got its name from the location of their camp in Fort Aincent.
It was a simple egalitarian society in which everyone was equal. They did not have an explicit leader or king. They used simple tools that were made of shells, stones or wood. But they were very skilled in hunting moose and bear.
Modern research has shown that most of the inhabitants of this society have suffered from arthritis. Scientists suggest that weak genes and health could be the cause of the sudden decline of this culture.
2
Kahokiya
Kahokiya was an ancient city close to the Mississippi River and existed from about 600 to 1400 AD. In the center of the city were huge bulk mounds that supposedly served as temples. They had four tiers. Scientists suggest that these mounds were even older than the civilization itself.
The city was huge for that time. The population is not exactly known, but at the peak of growth about 40 thousand people lived there. Excavations have shown that sacrifice and worship of various idols flourished in society.
The city was empty before the arrival of Columbus. The exact reason for this is also in doubt. Maybe this happened from too active hunting and deforestation around the city. Food became scarce and people had to leave these lands.
3
Coles creek
The Coles Creek culture was a civilization on the territory of modern Louisiana. It was a society with the most developed and complex political system of all American civilizations. It is believed that in each settlement acted his chosen leader.
Like most other cultures in this region, settlements were built around large mounds that served as temples. In the Coles Creek culture, there was a practice of sacrificing people and burial of the deceased in mounds.
It was a very influential and powerful society, which existed from about 700 to 1200 AD. The reason for the disappearance of this prosperous civilization is difficult to name even now.
You will definitely be interested in an article on thebiggest.ru about the most ancient civilizations in the world. And if you are a fan of discussing, be sure to follow the link!
4
Hohokam
Hohokam was a large civilization in the Arizona region from the 1st to the 15th centuries AD. As one of the main powers of that period, it was known for its extensive trade routes. One of the main centers was the city of Snaketown, which was the unofficial capital.
Snaketown was completely devastated at the beginning of the 12th century for a reason unknown to us. Some believe that the city was attacked, and all residents were expelled. Evidence of this was traces of fires discovered by archaeologists.
It was a colonial power that controlled vast territories, including the territories of modern Mexico. It is believed that climate change in this region forced residents to leave many settlements, which led to the collapse of the entire system.
5
Aden Culture
Aden culture was a wide network of communities united by common views, religion and burial system. This culture was known for its dependence on shamans and sorcerers.
There was a shaman in the settlement, who obediently obeyed. He told them, when hunting, to declare war, and when to lay down their arms. They worshiped idols and animal spirits. Everything that they learned about them was gleaned from the stone tablets that they left behind. Civilization began its existence in about 1000 BC, and ended in 200 BC
6
Akoma Pueblo
Akoma Pueblo is one of the few ancient civilizations that has survived in the modern world. Formed in the XII century, their ancestors still live in our days. Now there are about 5 thousand inhabitants of this ancient people.
It is believed that their ancestors settled in America 2 thousand years ago. Their center was the so-called heavenly city. They were a closed society and did not fight with other tribes.
In the middle of the 15th century, Spanish colonists came into contact with them. Akoma learned about the intentions of the Spaniards to seize the city and ambushed them. The Spaniards killed hundreds of inhabitants, and also captured many. But the city survived and survived.
7
Taos Pueblo
This is another ancient people of America who managed to survive in the XXI century. Now only 150 people live in the settlement, but little has changed in their way of life so far.
Scientists know little about their culture, since it was a very closed society. Taos Pueblo was a city, which is why the name of civilization appeared. It was an important trading point for several indigenous tribes.
The Spaniards met with them in 1540. They were in search of the legendary golden city when they discovered Taos Pueblo and wanted to establish Catholic laws and their Christian faith there. Local residents reacted negatively to this, killing several priests at that time.
By the way, there is a fascinating article about interesting facts from the daily life of an ancient person on thebiggest.ru.
8
Howell
Hopewell's culture was a network of societies interconnected by wide trading routes. It was not even a culture, or rather, a formed tradition.
Trade routes stretched from modern Florida to Canada, making Hopewell a kind of empire. Their entire system had extremely strong foundations, although the tribes were quite fragmented. Everything was based on good trading.
Their economy was second to none on the continent. But trade routes fell into decay in 500 AD. This deprived civilization of their source of development, since the entire system was built on trade. The communities fell apart and the empire quickly collapsed.
9
Thule
The Thule people inhabited modern Alaska and northern Canada. They are the ancestors of those who we now call Inuit. They could survive in very harsh conditions, hunting whales and other animals. Fat was vital so as not to freeze in cold winters. Tools they made of stone and metal.
Meteorites were falling as a source of metal. It is established that the Vikings came into contact with the people of Thule. They thought the Vikings were gods or spirits in which they believed.
10
Ancient pueblo
The ancient pueblo were formidable tribes at one time. Now they have almost forgotten about them, but they lived in stunning cities that were carved into the rocks.
They also built unique enormous roads for obscure purposes. This is what sets them apart - roads and buildings. It is amazing how they managed to carve such structures in the rocks.
But ultimately these buildings were abandoned by them for an unknown reason. Scientists are still struggling with this mystery. That is why the city of ancient pueblo is called the "lost city". This is the most mysterious American civilization.