"The history of the people of Central and South America is split between the centuries before and after the arrival of Europeans. Prior to that time, vast civilizations lived and thrived in the rainforests, mountains, and deserts of these diverse lands. Since the arrival of Europeans, the nations have taken on a mixed nature that tires to bring the best and strongest of the old and blend it with aspects of the modern. Inside, meet the people who created the underlying native culture and see how they changed as the world arrived."--Page [4] cover.