Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ancient America refers to the pre-Columbian civilizations and cultures that existed in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. It encompasses a wide range of societies, including those in North, Central, and South America.
This term refers to the indigenous peoples who inhabited North America before European colonization. They had diverse cultures, languages, and lifestyles.
Mesoamerica refers to the region extending from central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It was home to advanced ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs.
Pre-Columbian: Pre-Columbian simply means 'before Columbus.' It is used to describe anything related to the time period before Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas.