Region
History of the Americas
Defining moments across the history of the Americas.
ScienceFinal Domestication of Maize from Teosinte in Mesoamericac. 5000 BCE · Balsas River Valley, MexicoIndigenous farmers selectively breed teosinte into modern maize (corn).
CivilizationEmergence of Norte Chico Urban Centersc. 3000 BCE · Caral-Supe Valley, PeruThe Norte Chico civilization establishes the oldest known cities in the Americas.
ScienceDomestication of the Turkey in Mesoamericac. 1000 BCE · Central MexicoAncient Mesoamericans successfully domesticate the wild turkey for meat and ritual feathers.
WarMexican Revolution BeginsNovember 20, 1910 · Mexico City, MexicoFrancisco I. Madero issues a call to arms against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.
WarStart of the Cuban War of IndependenceFebruary 24, 1895 · CubaJosé Martí and Máximo Gómez launch a coordinated uprising against Spanish colonial rule in Cuba.
WarMorant Bay RebellionOctober 11, 1865 · Morant Bay, JamaicaPaul Bogle leads a revolt against racial injustice and economic hardship in British-ruled Jamaica.
PoliticsChilean Constitution of 1823 and Conservative TurnAugust 1823 · Santiago, ChileChile adopts a new constitution that attempts to balance liberal ideals with strong executive power.
PoliticsIndependence of Brazil DeclaredSeptember 7, 1822 · São Paulo, BrazilPrince Pedro I declares Brazil's independence from Portugal near the Ipiranga River.
WarSimón Bolívar's Crossing of the AndesJune 1819 · Andes Mountains, Colombia/Venezuela BorderBolivar leads his army over the frozen Andes to launch a surprise attack on Spanish forces in New Granada.
PoliticsCongress of Tucumán Declares Argentine IndependenceJuly 9, 1816 · San Miguel de Tucumán, ArgentinaDelegates from the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata formally declare independence from Spain.
PoliticsCry of Dolores: Mexican War of Independence BeginsSeptember 16, 1810 · Dolores Hidalgo, MexicoMiguel Hidalgo y Costilla issues a call to arms against Spanish rule, igniting the Mexican War of Independence.
PoliticsDeclaration of Haitian IndependenceJanuary 1, 1804 · Gonaïves, Saint-DomingueJean-Jacques Dessalines proclaims the independence of Haiti, establishing the first black republic in history.
PoliticsTúpac Amaru II Rebellion BeginsNovember 4, 1780 · Tungasuca, Viceroyalty of PeruJosé Gabriel Condorcanqui leads a massive indigenous uprising against Spanish colonial rule in the Andes.
DisasterEcological Collapse and Deforestation of Rapa Nuic. 1600 CE · Rapa Nui (Easter Island), ChileOverexploitation of resources leads to deforestation and societal transformation on Rapa Nui.
ReligionRise of the Birdman Cult on Rapa Nuic. 1600 CE · Orongo, Rapa NuiThe Birdman cult replaces moai worship as the central religious and political institution on Rapa Nui.
TechnologyCompletion of the Qhapaq Ñan Road Networkc. 1500 CE · Andes Mountains (Various), Peru/ChileThe Inca finalize the vast road system connecting their empire.
ReligionRededication of the Templo Mayor by Ahuitzotlc. 1487 CE · Tenochtitlan, Mexico City, MexicoSacrificial ceremonies attend the expansion of Tenochtitlan's main temple.
CivilizationConstruction of Machu Picchu by Pachacutic. 1450 CE · Machu Picchu, PeruEmperor Pachacuti commissions the royal estate of Machu Picchu in the Andes.
ScienceSurvival of the Madrid Codex Amidst Destructionc. 1450 CE · Maya Region (Yucatán), MexicoThe Madrid Codex is created just before the Spanish destruction of Maya books.
WarConquest of the Chanka by Pachacutic. 1438 CE · Cusco, PeruPachacuti defeats the Chanka invasion and transforms Cusco into an empire.
TechnologyExpansion of Chinampa Agriculture in the Valley of Mexicoc. 1400 CE · Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City, MexicoAztec engineers develop intensive floating gardens to feed a growing population.
ArtMass Production of Moai Statues at Rano Rarakuc. 1400 CE · Rano Raraku Quarry, Rapa NuiThe peak period of moai carving begins at the Rano Raraku quarry under the direction of clan chiefs.
ExplorationFounding of Tenochtitlán on Lake Texcococ. 1325 CE · Lake Texcoco, Mexico City, MexicoThe Mexica establish their capital on an island in Lake Texcoco.
CivilizationSan Lorenzo Tenochtitlán Reaches Zenithc. 1200 BCE · San Lorenzo, Veracruz, MexicoOlmec San Lorenzo becomes the first major urban center in Mesoamerica.
ScienceCreation of the Dresden Codexc. 1200 CE · Chichen Itza/Maya Region, MexicoMaya scribes compile the Dresden Codex containing advanced astronomical tables.
ReligionConstruction of Marae Complexes Across Polynesiac. 1200 CE · Society Islands, French PolynesiaPolynesian societies build extensive marae temple complexes for religious and social gatherings.
PoliticsThe Birdman Burial at Cahokia Mound 72c. 1050 CE · Cahokia, Illinois, USAA high-status Mississippian leader is buried with hundreds of sacrificial victims.
CivilizationConstruction of Monks Mound at Cahokiac. 1050 CE · Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Illinois, USAMississippian builders construct the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in North America.
CivilizationRise of the Chimú Kingdom at Chan Chanc. 1000 CE · Chan Chan, PeruThe Chimú establish the largest adobe city in the Americas at Chan Chan.
ExplorationLapita Settlement in Western Samoac. 1000 BCE · Western SamoaLapita voyagers reach the Samoan archipelago, marking the first entry into Remote Oceania.
ScienceRefinement of Polynesian Wayfinding Techniquesc. 1000 BCE to 1500 CE · Pacific Ocean (Society Islands)Polynesian navigators perfect star paths and ocean swells to traverse the vast Pacific without instruments.
ReligionCodification of the Hawaiian Kapu Systemc. 1000 CE · Hawaii (Big Island), USAThe Hawaiian kapu system is formalized, establishing a rigid social hierarchy and religious code.
ScienceDiffusion of Sweet Potato (Kumara) to Polynesiac. 1000 CE · South America to PolynesiaThe sweet potato, originally from South America, is transported across the Pacific by Polynesian voyagers.
TechnologyConstruction of Double-Hulled Voyaging Canoesc. 1000 CE · Society Islands, French PolynesiaPolynesian shipbuilders perfect the double-hulled canoe for long-distance ocean voyaging.
ArtCarving of Olmec Colossal Headsc. 900 BCE · San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, MexicoThe Olmec civilization carves massive basalt heads depicting rulers, establishing the first major complex society in Mesoamerica.
CivilizationConsecration of La Venta's Great Pyramidc. 900 BCE · La Venta, Tabasco, MexicoThe first major pyramid in Mesoamerica is completed at La Venta.
ReligionConstruction of the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzác. 800 CE · Chichén Itzá, MexicoThe iconic pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god is built during the Puuc-Toltec fusion period.
ExplorationSettlement of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)c. 800 CE · Rapa Nui (Easter Island), ChilePolynesian navigators reach the remote Rapa Nui and establish a unique island society.
DisasterCatastrophic Floods and Collapse of Moche San José de Moroc. 750 CE · Lambayeque Valley, PeruEl Niño floods devastate Moche infrastructure leading to societal transformation.
WarDeath of Ah Cacao and Fall of Copán's Dynasty738 CE · Copán, HondurasThe king of Copán is captured and executed by his rival from Quiriguá, ending a golden age.
medicineRitual Bloodletting as Medical and Religious Practice in Mayac. 600 BCE · Tikal, GuatemalaMaya elites use stingray spines and obsidian for ritual bloodletting to commune with gods.
ReligionConstruction of Kalasasaya Temple at Tiwanakuc. 500 CE · Tiwanaku, BoliviaThe Kalasasaya temple is built with monolithic stones for solar observance.
TechnologyDevelopment of the Polynesian Star Compass Systemc. 500 BCE · Society Islands, French PolynesiaPolynesian navigators memorize star paths to traverse the Pacific without instruments.
PoliticsErection of Stela 31 at Tikalc. 450 CE · Tikal, GuatemalaYax Nuun Ayiin I commemorates his victory and foreign alliances.
ExplorationSettlement of the Hawaiian Islandsc. 400 BCE to 800 CE · Hawaii (Big Island), USAPolynesian voyagers from the Marquesas and Society Islands settle the isolated Hawaiian archipelago.
ScienceRefinement of the Maya Long Count Calendar Systemc. 361 BCE · Chiapa de Corzo, MexicoMaya scholars formalize the Long Count calendar for tracking deep historical time.
ScienceFormal Adoption of Zero as a Placeholder in Maya Mathematicsc. 361 BCE · Chiapas, MexicoMaya mathematicians independently invent and use zero in their vigesimal numeral system.
ReligionBurial of the Royal Tombs at Sipán (Later Phase)c. 300 CE · Sipán, PeruElite Moche burials continue with elaborate rituals involving human sacrifice and gold offerings.
ExplorationPolynesian Expansion into the Society Islandsc. 300 BCE · Society Islands, French PolynesiaPolynesian voyagers colonize the Society Islands, establishing a central hub for further eastward expansion.
PoliticsBurial of the Lord of Sipánc. 250 BCE · Huaca Rajada, Lambayeque, PeruThe Moche ruler is buried with immense wealth and sacrificial victims.
CivilizationCodices and Writing System of the Mayac. 200 BCE · El Mirador, GuatemalaThe Maya develop a complex logosyllabic writing system and astronomical calendars during the Preclassic period.
CivilizationConstruction of the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacánc. 1 CE · Teotihuacán, MexicoThe second-largest pyramid is built to honor the Great Goddess and align with lunar cycles.
PoliticsConstruction of Royal Tombs at Sipán (Huaca Rajada)c. 200 CE · Sipán, PeruThe Huaca Rajada complex is built to house the elite of the Moche civilization.
CivilizationConstruction of Teotihuacán Apartment Compoundsc. 100 BCE · Teotihuacán, MexicoMassive apartment complexes are built to house the growing urban population.
CivilizationExpansion of the Akapana Pyramid at Tiwanakuc. 100 BCE · Tiwanaku, BoliviaThe Akapana pyramid is expanded into a massive artificial mountain for ritual use.
CivilizationConstruction of El Mirador Causewaysc. 100 BCE · El Mirador, GuatemalaMassive raised causeways connect the sprawling Preclassic city of El Mirador.
CivilizationConstruction of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacánc. 2 CE · Teotihuacán, MexicoThe largest pyramid in the Americas is built as a central monument to solar worship.
CivilizationMaya Obsidian Trade Network Expansionc. 250 CE · Tikal, GuatemalaThe Maya Classic Period sees a massive expansion of trade networks distributing obsidian, jade, and cacao across Mesoamerica.
ArtCreation of Maya Polished Obsidian Mirrorsc. 600 CE · Guatemala (Maya Lowlands)Artisans craft polished obsidian mirrors for divination and ritual use.
ScienceConstruction of El Caracol Observatory at Chichen Itzac. 850 CE · Chichen Itza, MexicoMaya astronomers build a circular observatory aligned with Venus cycles.
DisasterCollapse of Classic Maya Civilizationc. 900 CE · Tikal and Calakmul, Guatemala/MexicoMajor Maya city-states are abandoned due to drought, warfare, and ecological collapse during the Terminal Classic period.
DisasterEcological Collapse and Drought Leading to Maya Declinec. 900 CE · Petén Basin, GuatemalaSevere drought and deforestation cause the collapse of Classic Maya civilization.
ExplorationLeif Erikson's Voyage to Vinlandc. 1000 CE · L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, CanadaLeif Erikson establishes a short-lived Norse settlement in North America, five centuries before Columbus.
TechnologyStandardization of the Quipu System in the Andesc. 1200 CE · Cusco Region, PeruInca and pre-Inca cultures refine the quipu for complex numerical and narrative data storage.
ScienceMaya Astronomical Tables in the Dresden Codexc. 1200 CE · Yucatán Peninsula, MexicoMaya astronomers record precise calculations for Venus cycles and eclipses.
CivilizationFounding of Tenochtitlan1325 CE · Mexico City, MexicoAztecs build a magnificent island city on Lake Texcoco that becomes the largest in the Americas.
TechnologyExpansion of Aztec Chinampa Agriculturec. 1420 CE · Lake Xochimilco, Mexico CityThe Aztecs expand the chinampa system to feed Tenochtitlan's massive population with highly productive artificial islands.
CivilizationConstruction of the Inca Road System (Qhapaq Ñan)c. 1438 CE · Cusco, Peru (Expansion Phase)Pachacuti initiates the expansion of the Qhapaq Ñan, a vast road network connecting the Inca Empire across the Andes.
CivilizationUse of Quipu for Inca Record Keepingc. 1450 CE · Cusco, PeruInca administrators use knotted strings to record census and tax data.
ExplorationColumbus Reaches the AmericasOctober 12, 1492 CE · San Salvador, BahamasEuropean explorer lands in Caribbean initiating permanent contact between Old and New Worlds.
DisasterBurning of Maya Codices by Bishop LandaJuly 1562 CE · Mani, Yucatan, MexicoSpanish Bishop Diego de Landa orders the destruction of most surviving Maya written records in a campaign against idolatry.
DisasterDestruction of Maya Codices by Bishop LandaJuly 12, 1562 · Maní, Yucatán, MexicoSpanish friars burn nearly all surviving Maya books in a purge of idolatry.
PoliticsAdoption of US Declaration of IndependenceJuly 4, 1776 CE · Philadelphia, USAThirteen colonies declare independence from Britain asserting natural rights.
PoliticsHaitian Revolution BeginsAugust 22, 1791 · Saint-Domingue (Haiti)Enslaved people revolt in Saint-Domingue, leading to the first black republic.
TechnologyExpansion of Transatlantic Cotton Tradec. 1793 CE · Savannah, Georgia, USAEli Whitney's cotton gin revolutionizes production and fuels global textile manufacturing.
DisasterWall Street Crash and Great DepressionOctober 29, 1929 · New York City, USAStock market crash triggers the worst global economic depression in history.
WarAttack on Pearl HarborDecember 7, 1941 · Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USAJapan attacks US fleet, bringing America into World War II.
PoliticsFounding of the United NationsOctober 24, 1945 · San Francisco, USA (Charter signed)UN Charter ratified to prevent future global conflicts and promote cooperation.
TechnologyInvention of the TransistorDecember 23, 1947 · Bell Labs, New Jersey, USAScientists create the transistor, enabling modern electronics and computing.
ExplorationApollo 11 Moon LandingJuly 20, 1969 CE · Cape Canaveral, USAHumans first walk on the lunar surface during the Space Race.
ScienceLaunch of Hubble Space TelescopeApril 24, 1990 CE · Cape Canaveral, USASpace telescope deployed into orbit providing unprecedented deep space observations.