This meant that men and women shared duties and power equally. Thousands of years before European women would begin the struggle for their own equality, Native American women already had equal rights to their men. In fact, it was Native American women who initially inspired European women to fight back against being second-class citizens.
2. They were extremely healthy.
This is because they understood the importance of good nutrition and regular bathing. While Europe was being constantly afflicted by regular plagues and famines, the Native Americans were in top form.
The Native Americans managed to construct cities that were bigger and a lot more complex than most European ones at the time. While Europeans were busy emptying filthy chamber pots out of windows onto the streets below, many Native American cities had access to fully-functional sanitation systems.
4. They were innovative doctors.
While Europeans were still using many questionable medical interventions, such as bloodletting, the Native Americans made use of a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs, which are still considered to be effective by today's standards. They also made use of syringes, aspirin, and even relatively complex surgical procedures.
Within traditional Native American cultures, everyone from the smallest kids to the oldest grandparents was adequately taken care of and provided for. This was a far cry from the European systems of the time, which only ensured that the rich got richer, while the working classes suffered in misery.
6. They have the oldest continuous democracy in the world.
In 909AD, Native Americans established the Haudenasaunee People’s Confederacy which is still active today. However, while they were freely reaping the fruits of democracy, most of Europe was still bending the knee to royalty and waging war against anyone they felt superior to. In fact, this type of democracy actually served as the inspiration and model for the US constitution.
Just a few of the things that they invented include snow goggles, snowshoes, toboggans, kayaks, and canoes. They also learned to create and cultivate rubber and maple syrup.
8. They were highly advanced farmers.
Around 70% of the world's crops today were originally cultivated in the pre-European Americas. These include potatoes, tomatoes, rice, and corn. They were also completely aware of the benefits of crop rotation, as well as the medicinal properties of thousands of plants.
Instead of having one giant city in the center of the continent and expanding outwards, they instead built a huge number of smaller settlements, spreading them out across the land. The type of settlement built would then be constructed in such a way that makes it ideal for its climate and purpose.
10. They were exceptionally accurate time-keepers.
Native American calendars were so precise that they were only 19 minutes off by the 5th century BC. This is an achievement that no other civilization at the time even came remotely close to.
Do You Know the Original Names of These US Cities?
What was the original name of New York City? or Seattle? See if you recognize these old historic monikers for 10 iconic US cities.
5 Lies That Changed the Course of History
These massive historical lies spread so far and wide that they ended up altering history forever.
These Famous Artworks Were Once Considered SCANDALOUS
Throughout history, artists have repeatedly tried to challenge societal norms. And sometimes, they succeeded. Here are 7 of history's most controversial artworks.
6 Famous Places And Objects Which Never Existed
If you hear a story enough times, eventually you will start believing it's true. Here are 6 examples of famous historical places and objects which never existed...
How Did We Invent the Dollar? Learn Its Meandering History
In this video, we will learn a short history of the U.S. Dollar.
History vs. Hollywood: The Real Voyagers of the Titanic
A great many of the characters in the 1997 hit movie Titanic were based on real people. These are the stories and faces of the real voyagers of the Titanic.
If You Like Greek Mythology, Don’t Miss These Movies!
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then make sure you check out these amazing films.
The MOST Shocking False Etymologies in English
If a word's history sounds too good, it probably is.
Do You Remember the Things that Defined the 1950s?
The 1950s marked the beginning of the postwar era, increased prosperity and drastic changes to everyday life. Here are 10 things that defined the 1950s.
Check Your Pockets Now! This Quarter Is Worth Thousands!
There's a quarter out there that is worth thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to look out for.
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Baby Boomers, Do You Remember These Vintage Products?
If you are member of the baby boomer generation, you may just remember these nostalgic products from your childhood.
Beautiful! All Dog Lovers Can Relate to This Touching Poem
Any dog lover can relate to this touching poem by Jimmy Stewart about his beloved dog Beau. Send this poem to those you know who love dogs too.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
These Amazing Illusions Are Enough to Make Your Head Spin
Optical illusions have the potential to highlight how the human mind plays tricks when it comes to perceiving things. Take a look at these 20 optical illusions.
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
Unseen & Rare Photos from History You Will Love
We bet you haven’t seen these amazing historical photos before.
These Fascinating Cat Facts Are Well Worth Sharing
You're definitely not a cat lover unless you know these 10 awesome facts about them!
10 Decisions That Changed World History Forever
Did you know that world history has often been changed by decisions that were taken in a split second? Here are 10 that changed world history forever.
16 Wonderful Japanese Ideas We Should All Start Copying
The Japanese are unique. Their ways seem perfectly designed to help the population live happy fruitful lives. Here are 16 cool Japanese things we should copy.
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
The Battle of Midway: Exploring a Decisive WWII Victory
In this clip from the history channel, we dive deep into the great naval fight - the Midway Battle.
Museum of the Weird: 15 Fascinating Finds
Historical artifacts don't get weirder than this.
6 Depression-Era Criminals You Wouldn't Want to Cross!
During America's Great Depression, the rate of crimes increased drastically. Here are 6 of the most notorious Depression-Era bank robbers.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
These Pictures Smuggled out of North Korea Will Shock You
Shocking photos that reveal what life really is like in North Korea.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
These Famous Characters Are Based On Real People!
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
History Can Be Ironic & These 12 Stories Prove Just That...
These 12 short stories from world history are strange, tragic, but most importantly, utterly ironic...
7 Life Lessons Taught by Winston Churchill
To inspire others, we have compiled 7 lessons he taught us through his life's work and life.
Learning to Trust Again - Rehabilitating an Abused Dog
Ralph the abandoned dog learns to trust again...
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
9 ‘Current’ Words That Are Much Older Than You’d Guess
Hipster, Influencer and Dude - all these words sound so quintessentially modern, but you'd be surprised to learn how old they actually are.
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
The Fascinating Ways Our Fruits and Veggies Are Grown...
Here are some of the amazing the ways that fruits and veggies grow that may be new to you!
911 Operators Have to Deal With the Craziest Cases...
911 operators in the United States are usually the ones to deal with unusual situations and emergencies. Here are 9 unbelievably crazy stories from them.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
This Soulful Cello Performance Will Give You Goosebumps
Sit back and enjoy this amazing cello performance
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
13 Commercials So Brilliant That You Have to Applaud
Most adverts are so predictable that anyone can see them coming, but these commercials are utterly ingenious!
20th Century Slang People Rarely Use Nowadays
Did you know that these 20th-century slang words and phrases are considered outdated?
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!