Ep 1. From Caves to Cosmos

In the first episode of National Geographic's Native America, we delve into the ancient and complex history of the indigenous people of North and South America. Titled "From Caves to Cosmos," the episode explores the origins of Native American culture and civilization, starting with the first humans who crossed the Bering land bridge over 15,000 years ago, and taking us on a journey through thousands of years of Native American history and culture.

The episode kicks off with a stunning scene of caves in the southwestern United States, where archaeologists have discovered some of the earliest evidence of human presence in North America. From there, we explore the diverse cultures of Native Americans across the continent, from the Inca empire in Peru to the Iroquois Confederacy in what is now New York state.

One of the interesting things about this episode is the way it explores ancient Native American civilizations that are often overlooked by mainstream history. For example, we learn about the Mississippian culture, which flourished in the Midwest from around 800 to 1500 CE and built massive earthworks and mounds that still exist today. We also learn about the Nazca people of Peru, who created a series of mysterious geoglyphs in the desert that can only be seen from the air.

As we journey through time, we see how Native American cultures adapted and transformed in response to changes in climate, technology, and contact with other cultures. We see how the Pueblo people of the southwestern U.S. developed intricate irrigation systems and multi-story adobe dwellings, and how the Plains tribes became expert horsemen and hunters after the introduction of the horse to the Americas by European explorers.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a variety of experts and historians, as well as Native Americans themselves, who share their own stories and perspectives on their culture and history. These personal testimonies serve to humanize and contextualize the vast sweep of history we are exploring, reminding us that the people who lived in these ancient civilizations were not so different from us.

One of the strengths of this episode is the way it weaves together the different threads of Native American culture and history, showing us how seemingly disparate civilizations and cultures were actually connected by shared beliefs, practices, and ways of life. We see how intertribal trade networks developed, and how ideas and technologies spread across the continent.

The episode also takes us beyond the confines of the American continent, to explore how Native American cultures engaged with the wider world. We learn about the Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, which may have had contact with Native Americans; and about the Mexica, who built a vast empire in central Mexico and engaged in trade and diplomacy with other civilizations as far away as South America.

Overall, "From Caves to Cosmos" is an engaging and informative introduction to the rich and diverse history of Native Americans. By highlighting little-known civilizations and cultures, and by putting Native American history into a broader global context, the episode invites us to see these ancient peoples in a new light. Whether you are a history buff or a casual viewer, there is something here to fascinate and inspire.