What is the oldest pre-columbian civilization in the Americas?

The Norte Chico cities are likely the oldest, they're certainly the oldest found so far. The general rise of numerous cities is dated around 3200 BCE, which makes them roughly contemporary with many “old world” sites. Norte Chico civilization. read more

The Norte Chico cities are likely the oldest, they’re certainly the oldest found so far. The general rise of numerous cities is dated around 3200 BCE, which makes them roughly contemporary with many “old world” sites. read more

Many pre-Columbian civilizations established permanent or urban settlements, agriculture, and complex societal hierarchies. In North America, indigenous cultures in the Lower Mississippi Valley during the Middle Archaic period built complexes of multiple mounds, with several in Louisiana dated to 5600–5000 BP (3700 BC–3100 BC). read more