Resumen
This first volume of Historia de América ("History of America") by Spanish historian Juan Ortega Rubio presents a broad and detailed chronicle of the American continent, beginning with its geological and anthropological origins, continuing through the rise of indigenous civilizations, and leading up to the early stages of European exploration and colonization.
Key areas of focus in Tomo I include:
Theories of the origin of the first Americans
Cultures and civilizations such as the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas
Pre-Columbian religions, governments, social systems, and economies
First European voyages, with emphasis on Christopher Columbus and the Spanish expeditions
The impact of European contact on indigenous populations
Rubio's work blends archaeological evidence, chronicles, and colonial sources to construct a narrative that is both academic and accessible, capturing the rich cultural diversity and political transformations of the early Americas.