Why are the pre-Columbian ruins in the U. S., still fairly underrated compared to the ruins in Latin America?

[KostasKouvalis]

Mesa Verde, CO

Aztec Ruins, NM

Pueblo Bonito, NM

Pueblo Bonito, NM

Wupatki, AZ

Our ruins are even older than Machu Picchu, and I saw ruins in Peru and Mexico that were far less impressive than ours, yet ours don't get as much attention. TV shows always show Inca, Mayan and Aztec ruins, while ours are rarely shown.

Machu Picchu and Tulum for instance, are mostly about the setting, because the structures themselves weren't that impressive.

[purplepoppy]

I think there's 2 reasons. First they're not part of most Americans own history so there's no connection to them.

Secondly Americans like to think there was no real civilisation before the white man, just half naked painted savages running around. It's easy to stake a claim to such a place but not one with buildings.

[strateguy632]

because aztec n maya are very exotic and extinct. but natives here live among us. not exotic.

[avery58]

I don't know if it's more common to meet Native Americans in the Southwest but I've only met like 2 here in FL.

[KostasKouvalis]

The Aztec I think so, but there are still direct descendents of Mayans living in the Yucatan and Central America

[KostasKouvalis]

Many indian tribes in the US have also gone extinct

[DryGermanGuy]

Very interesting pictures, they give me a starting point to read up on the topic. 👍