America Before Columbus (2010)
History books often depict the pre-Columbus Americas as a pristine wilderness where small native villages lived in harmony with nature. However, scientific evidence tells a very different story. When Columbus stepped ashore in 1492, millions of people were already living there. America wasn’t exactly a New World; it was a very old one whose inhabitants had built a vast infrastructure of cities, orchards, canals, and causeways.
America Before Columbus delves deep into this rich cultural history of pre-Columbian America. The series explores the civilizations, cultures, and societies that thrived before European exploration and colonization. Through re-enactments and expert insights, viewers learn about various aspects of life in the Americas before Columbus arrived:
- Art and Architecture: The indigenous peoples of the Americas had sophisticated artistic traditions, creating intricate sculptures, pottery, and murals.
- Archaeology: The series uncovers archaeological sites that reveal the advanced engineering and urban planning of ancient American civilizations.
- Science and Technology: From agricultural practices to medicine, the Americas had their own scientific knowledge and innovations.
The production values of America Before Columbus are high, making it engaging for an educational audience. It focuses on the contrast between the environments and cultures of the Americas and Europe in 1492, highlighting the impact of the European cultural invasion on both the people and the environment of the New World.
This captivating documentary series sheds light on the vibrant and complex history that existed long before Columbus set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, challenging the traditional narrative of an untouched wilderness and revealing the rich legacy of indigenous civilizations in the Americas.
