Theatre of the World

The Americas

Ortelius - Americas

In 1570, the Americas were home to diverse and sophisticated societies with monumental cities, extensive trade networks, and distinct political systems. The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, stood among the world’s largest cities, while the Inca Empire maintained vast roads and terraced farms across the Andes. In North America, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in the northeast forged powerful alliances, the Pueblo peoples of the southwest built intricate adobe settlements, and the Algonquin nations maintained complex economic and political structures across the eastern woodlands. These societies thrived through diplomacy, trade, and military strength, shaping a dynamic and interconnected world long before outsiders arrived.

Exhibit Items:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bibliography:

BRAUN, Georg. Ciuitates Orbis Terrarum. Cologne: Printed by Theodorus Graminaeus, at the authors’ expense, 1572.

The Rubenstein Library Catalog

HARRIOT, Thomas. Admiranda narratio fida tamen, de commodis et incolarum ritibus Virginiae. Frankfurt: Printed by Johann Wechel for Theodor de Bry, 1608.

The Rubenstein Library Catalog

GERARD, John. The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes. London: Printed by John Norton, 1597.

The Rubenstein Library Catalog

Some materials and descriptions may include offensive content. More info