Horizon Season 1991 Episode 14 The First Americans

The Horizon season 1991 episode 14, titled The First Americans, takes a close look at the origins of human settlement in the Americas. The episode delves into the history of the indigenous American civilizations, tracing their ancestry and exploring the theories surrounding their origins.

The episode begins with an overview of the current scientific understanding of American history, which states that the first humans arrived in the Americas around 12,000 years ago from Asia. However, the episode challenges this view by presenting alternative theories, some of which suggest that humans could have reached the Americas much earlier.

The episode then explores the archaeological evidence that supports the traditional view of American history, such as the discovery of Clovis spearheads in the 1920s. But it also examines new theories that suggest that humans could have migrated to the Americas earlier, possibly even during the Ice Age.

The episode then delves into the genetics of the indigenous American populations, which suggest that they may have had a different ancestry to the people of Asia. This has led some researchers to propose that the first Americans may have come from other parts of the world, such as Europe or even Australia.

The episode also examines the various civilizations that developed in the Americas, such as the Maya and the Aztecs. By analyzing their architecture, art, and culture, the episode reveals the staggering achievements of these societies, and the advanced understanding they had of astronomy, mathematics, and agriculture.

The episode concludes by examining the impact that European contact had on the indigenous American populations. It explores the diseases that the Europeans brought with them, and the devastating effects they had on the local populations. It also looks at the ways in which the Europeans shaped the course of American history, leading to the formation of the United States as we know it today.

Overall, The First Americans is a fascinating exploration of the origins of human settlement in the Americas. By presenting alternative theories, analyzing the genetic and archaeological evidence, and examining the achievements and failures of the indigenous American civilizations, the episode sheds new light on one of the most important periods of world history.