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12 Old-School Southern Meals Johnny Cash Loved...

The Native American story began some 15,000-plus years ago. Using a now-submerged Arctic land bridge, they crossed from Siberia to Alaska. The land bridge, now known as Beringia, emerged during a period of low sea levels during the last Ice Age. Connecting North America and Asia, this 1,000-mile corridor existed as part of the tundra, with vast megafauna. Groups of hunter-gatherers crossed Beringia, following Ice Age herds like bison or mammoths. While some groups passed through, the current theory is that others settled in, remaining for generations. Beringia remained crossable between 30,000 and 12,000 years before disappearing under the ocean.A Genetic DifferenceThis newly designed map shows how Beringia which includes the famous ice age land bridge looked about 18,000 years ago. (Image credit: Bond, J.D. 2019. Paleodrainage map of Beringia. Yukon Geological Survey, Open File 2019-2)A key similarity between Native Americans and Asian groups is genetics. The current theory is called the Beringian Standstill Hypothesis. This states that as groups slowly crossed Beringia, their isolation created genetic differences from their Asian ancestors. Some groups remained in place, possibly for as long as 10,000 years. The genetic difference would increase the further Native Americans traveled from Beringia. Yet, both Native Americans and northeast Asians traced their heritage to a common ancestor 25,000 years ago.The Two-Route TheoryGenetic migration of Paleo Americans Source: WikimediaIt is thought that Paleo-Americans used two routes to roam deeper into America. This migration occurred in multiple waves over centuries.Ice Free Corridor: Hunter-gatherer groups migrated between two great ice sheets. They spread through central Canada, next moving south along the Rocky Mountains. The later Clovis culture may have emerged from this movement. Archaeologists date the first Clovis sites back to nearly 13,000 years.Coastal Migration: These seafaring people sailed south, moving south to points in South America. Archaeological evidence and local peoples oral histories confirm this route. A prime example is Triquet Island (British Columbia), dated to around 13,600 to 14,100 years ago.Evolving from Travelers to CulturesMastodon Hunting with Clovis Point Source: Georgia Public RadioAs the founding groups settled across the Americas, they adapted to local environments around 13,000 years ago. The wanderers became semi-nomadic or established permanent patterns. The first to emerge (though debated) was the Clovis Culture. Known for its game-changing spearhead, this spearhead enabled hunters to tackle bigger megafauna species. Knowledge of this spread across North America and south to even Venezuela, either in settlements or stuck in animal skeletons.The Clovis Culture gradually evolved into more local traditions, such as Folsom and Dalton (roughly 10,000 years ago). They came after the megafaunas extinction. For example, improving the Clovis spear point meant better hunting for smaller species. Necessity led to creativity, so tools like microtools and scrapers were created. Regional differences crept in as the Paleo Americans adjusted to local situations. Smaller groups used better hunting strategies. Examples include kill sites and tool caches, representing a more sophisticated society.By 8000 BCE, the Ice Age stood only as an ancestral memory. During this Archaic Period, native societies became complex. Broader foraging meant hunting, though still important, mixed in with resources like wild plants and fishing. Trade began between groups and settlements, like the oval-shaped complex Watson Brake in Louisiana.Continuation and DevelopmentHopewell Sphere Source: Heironymous Rowe (Wikipedia)The centuries between 2000 BCE and 1000 CE witnessed faster advancement. As complex societies formed, they created or increased distant trading contacts. Some spanned hundreds of miles, like the Hopewell tradition (200BCE to 500 CE). This far-flung network of tribes connected groups from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Besides usual trade goods, exotic items like copper from the Great Lakes to Gulf Coast shells changed hands.Cahokia, part of the Mississippian Culture, emerged circa 1050 CE-1350 CE. Cahokia is considered a true city, particularly in terms of architecture, politics, and social hierarchy. It was the largest city of its time in North America.A Linguistic HeritageWashakie leaders identified. Source: Jackson Hole Historical Society & MuseumAs mentioned, migration across Beringia came in waves in either direction. That said, Native languages developed into families and others with no correlation (Haida). Specific languages still show connections to Siberia. One family, the Na-Dene, shows that Navajo and Apache have kinship with the Siberian Yett languages.Today, in North America, there are three hundred languages. More than a few are extinct or slowly being revived. These fall under thirty or so language families. If all of the Americas are included, the count reaches over 900 indigenous languages.Oral Traditions as HistoryPortrait of Chief James Garfield Velarde by William Henry Jackson, 1899. Source: The Met MuseumThough usually non-linear, oral histories can confirm Native American origins. These show origin stories, lineages, and ancestry. They show routes, sacred sites, or changes like the Ice Age in their past. Actual confirmation has been made several times. Alaskas Tlingit tribe used oral tradition to show archaeologists where a 500-year-old village sat, confirming their predecessors story. The Native American origin story encompasses scientific, cultural, and spiritual traditions, and we now have a solid understanding of this rich past. However, it shouldnt be written in stone, as the whole picture is not yet fully known.

Of all the mighty Chinese dynastiesfrom the Shang to the Tang and the Ming to the Qing, few have rivaled the power and cultural impact of the Song. For over 300 years, the Song Dynasty ruled medieval China, overseeing huge expansion efforts and foreign policy changes before eventually succumbing to Kublai Khans Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, which was originally perceived as a dark period in Chinese history. Read on to find out all about the incredible Song Dynasty.The Beginnings of the Song DynastyEmperor Taizu of Song, c. 960-1279. Source: Wikimedia CommonsChina was experiencing a tumultuous period in its history at the founding of the Song Dynasty. The short-lived Later Zhou Dynasty was beginning to crumble, and a new period of Chinese history was about to be ushered in with the rise of the Song.As with the transition between many dynasties in Chinese history, the beginning of the Song Dynasty started with the usurpation of the Later Zhou emperors throne. Zhao Kuangyin, who would go on to rule as the first emperor of the Song Dynasty under the name Emperor Taizu, usurped the Later Zhou ruler Guo Zongxun with assistance from military commanders in the year 960 CE.Emperor Taizus first act waslike many before and after himto unify China proper, after the last five decades of political turmoil. Of course, unifying in our terms generally meant suppression for victims of this type of unificationand conquests of major Chinese states followed, including the Northern Han, Southern Han, Southern Tang, Later Shu, and Nanping.It was largely due to the tactical abilities of the Song military commanders such as Liu Tingrang, Cao Bin, Pan Mei, and Huyan Zan that these conquests were able to take place and extend the reach of the rising Song Empire.It was at the city of Kaifeng, located in modern-day eastern China that Emperor Taizu formed his court and established his capital.The Northern Song (960-1127)Wang Anshi, artist unknown, c. 11th-15th century. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe Song Dynasty was famously divided into two distinct parts, both of which played a crucial part in its history. These two parts were the Northern Song and the Southern Song, with the Southern Song forming in 1127 and lasting until 1279.The Northern Song was founded in 960, by Emperor Taizu, when he usurped the throne and established his capital in Kaifeng.Emperor Taizu was not just the first leader of the great Northern Song, but a skilled diplomat, too. He established the civil service examination system as a way of drafting bureaucrats by skill and merit, rather than by their family links or military position. Looking back, Taizu was years ahead of his time in doing this.Taizu was also keen on expanding knowledge and technologies in the Northern Song Dynasty and did so by supporting scientific projects. These included funding huge detailed maps of his kingdom to understand the geography of each region better, as well as the astronomical clock tower which was built by astronomer and engineer Zhang Sixun.China during the Northern Song Dynasty. Source: Wikimedia CommonsFrom a foreign policy perspective, the Northern Song maintained good relations with contemporary empires, including the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt, the Kara-Khanid in Central Asia, Chola India, and the Goryeo Kingdom in Korea to name just a few.Interestingly, it was generally the Northern Songs closest neighbors who they struggled with mostthe Liao Dynasty in the northeast and Western Xia in the northwest constantly caused them to go to war with one another. It was not until 1005 that treaties were signed and peace was made between the factions.From the mid-11th century onwards, the Northern Song Dynasty began to show signs of weakness. Criticism over the running of the Northern Song Dynasty saw political opponents jailed or murdered, such as Su Shi (1037-1101), a poet who had openly spoken out against Wang Anshi, a key governmental economist and advisor, (1021-86) and his reforms.The Jin Dynasty and the Beginning of the Southern SongAuspicious Cranes, a painting of the Song Royal Palace, by Emperor Huizong, 1112. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOne of the key components of the downfall of the Northern Song was a man called Cai Jing (1047-1126). He was appointed as a politician under Emperor Zhezong (r. 1085-1100), and he was often the root cause of political troubles. He encouraged Emperor Zhezong to pursue his political opponents and tolerate any corruption in the court.Zhezongs successor, Emperor Huizong (r. 1100-26), was actively encouraged by Cai Jing (who would remain in power until 1125) to focus on his passions for art and literature and neglect his imperial duties.The weakness of the Song army led to the Jin-Song Warsthe Jin had formed as an offshoot of the Liao and was officially a rebel state known as the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). The Jin army eventually managed to capture Emperor Huizong and his successor, Emperor Qinzong in 1127.As a response, the remaining Song forces grouped together under the self-proclaimed Emperor Gaozong of Song and withdrew south of the Yangtze River, where they established a new capital at Linan (in modern-day Hangzhou). The loss of control of northern China led the Jin to believe that they had control over China proper, while the remaining Song members grouped together, forming the Southern Song Dynasty, also believing that they still had control of China proper.The Southern Song (1127-1279)Emperor Gaozong, artist unknown, c. 1127-1279. Source: Wikimedia CommonsDespite initial setbacks, the Southern Song managed to thrive with a strong economy, which in turn created a strong culture and identity.Emperor Gaozong led the Southern Song from 1127 until 1162, and in these early years of the dynasty, he oversaw huge harbor and shipbuilding projects, both of which contributed to the booming Southern Song economy.It was during this period (1132) that the Song established Chinas first permanent navy, which was headquartered at Dinghai. This was to support their maritime interests not just in the Yellow Sea, but as far afield as the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.The establishment of a navy ensured that the Song had strong, well-built boats, and as such proved their prowess in naval warfare when they faced off against the Jin in 1161 at the Battle of Tangdao and the Battle of Caishi. The Jin ships had 70,000 men on 600 warships, while the Song had 3,000 men on 120 warships, but it was the Song who emerged victorious on both occasions, thanks to their use of gunpowder bombs catapulted from on-board trebuchets.However, the Song faced an even more significant foe in its later years than the Jin: the Mongols. The Mongols had successfully invaded the Jin under the leadership of Genghis Khan in the early 13th century and had been forced to pay tribute to the Mongols as vassals. However, by 1234, both the Jin and the Western Xia had been fully conquered by the Mongols, leaving only the Southern Song.A figure of a Mongol, 14th century. Source: The MET, New YorkInitially, the Song had been allied with the Mongols, but this alliance came to an end when the Song invaded the former imperial capital of Kaifeng, following the collapse of the Jin Dynasty. Kublai Khan came to the rescue of the Mongols, blockading the Yangtze River from 1268, and by 1271 he had established the Yuan Dynastythe only Mongol-led dynasty in Chinese history.By 1276, the majority of Song territory had been captured by the Mongols (1271 is generally accepted as the start date of the Yuan Dynasty), but following the Battle of Yamen on March 19, 1279, the Yuan army finally crushed the last remains of the Song army, formally ending the Song Dynasty, and ushering in the age of the Yuan Dynasty, which would go on to rule China until 1368.Culture in the Song DynastyFinches and bamboo, by Emperor Huizong, early 12th century. Source: The MET, New YorkOften regarded as one of dynastic Chinas most culturally rich periods, the Song Dynasty saw an explosion of culture, from poets to artists and much more.The Song Dynasty gave birth to arguably the greatest Chinese poet in history, a woman named Li Qingzhao (1084-c. 1155), who, along with her husband Zhao Mingcheng, wrote hundreds of poems and essays, often centered around ancient Chinese artifacts, such as those from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.Historians of the Song were very keen to preserve their past, and Song Qi and Ouyang Xiu were both responsible for compiling the New Book of Tang, which provided a comprehensive history of the preceding Tang Dynasty, over the course of ten volumes and 225 chapters.However, perhaps the biggest elements of cultural significance in the Song Dynasty were the advancements in science and technology. Few other Chinese dynasties have come close to the sheer amount of scientific advancements of the Song Dynasty.It was during the Song Dynasty that movable type was introduced in China, some 300 years before Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Europe. This made the spread of information and communication much quicker than it had been before.As mentioned earlier, gunpowder became a key invention during the Song Dynasty (although invented by the Tang), and it worked wonders during their wars with the Jin Dynasty in the 1260s.The introduction of paper money helped to boost the economy, and this was something that Kublai Khan employed during the Yuan Dynasty after seeing its success in the Song.The Legacy of the Song DynastyA Northern Song Dynasty era (960-1127) Chinese painting of a water-powered mill for grain, artist unknown, c. 960-1127. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe Song Dynasty changed China in a multitude of ways. However, rather than being remembered as two separate dynasties, the Northern Song and the Southern Song, it should instead be remembered as one mighty dynasty covering two distinct periods: the early years of the Northern Song which were heavily characterized by warfare, and the later years of the Southern Song which saw a stronger economy and more ways to deal with constant warfare, such as the establishment of Chinas first permanent navy.Culturally, the Song Dynasty gave birth to some incredible figures: Emperor Gaozong, Li Qingzhao, Cai Jing, and Emperor Taizu to name just a fewall of whom contributed to the success (or downfall) of the Song in significant ways.The culture that was fathomed in the Song Dynasty would go on to inspire Kublai Khan when he formed the Yuan Dynasty in 1271he famously employed Han Chinese workers to his court and took great inspiration from his years in China, and being surrounded by Chinese culture.While many view the Song Dynasty as a dark period between the mighty Tang Dynasty and the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, it should instead be remembered as an inspiring, culturally rich, golden age of Chinese culture.

South America may not be the oldest inhabited continent (thats Africa), but it is arguably the most rewarding for history lovers. It was home to advanced civilizations like the Inca, Tiwanaku, and Nazca, who left behind a spectacular array of ruins, artifacts, and even entire cities. Many are hidden in jungles or remote mountains, preserved in excellent condition. Since several indigenous cultures survived the Spanish conquest and still practice ancient traditions today, an archaeological tour here is like a journey through living history.Heres where to start.1. Machu Picchu, PeruMachu Picchu, by Jean Pixels. Source: PexelsMachu Picchu is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of South American archaeology. Perched high in the Andes, framed by high peaks, and the distinctive farming terraces now so well-known, this once-lost city of the Incas attracts visitors from all over the globeand single-handedly makes Peru the most touristed country on the continent.The high-altitude mountainous landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu are enough to leave you speechless, but it is the citadels intricate stonework, temples, and residences that make this place truly remarkable.Machu Picchu was likely a royal estate built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century. It also served as a center for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Spanish conquistadors never discovered the city so, once abandoned, it remained hidden in the wilderness for centuries. They did turn out to be the catastrophic undoing of the Incas nonetheless.Whether you hike the iconic Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu or take a scenic train ride, you are guaranteed a most memorable experience. Mind you, throngs of tourists can sometimes dampen the ethereal vibe of the place. To this end, plan your visit for the very early morning hours (gates open at six a.m.), as most tour groups, trains, and coachfuls of tourists do not arrive until mid-morning.2. Tiwanaku, BoliviaTiwanaku, by Rodoluca. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOften overshadowed by Machu Picchu, Bolivias Tiwanaku is one of South Americas most important archaeological sites and the best springboard for historical tours of Bolivia.Found near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, merely 35 miles from La Paz, Tiwanaku was once the capital of a powerful eponymous empire that predated the Incas by several centuries. The Tiwanaku flourished between 500 and 1000 CE, spreading their rule west into Peru and south into Chile. The citadel on Lake Titicaca played a central role in its governance and contains a legacy of stone-carved temples and statues that continue to baffle archaeologists.Tiwanaku might not seem as impressive as Machu Picchu at first glance. But it is about 900-1,000 years older and, at its height, was considerably larger and more densely populated. According to archaeological accounts, the city housed some 20,000 peoplewhile Machu Picchu had perhaps only 750. So, although it showcases the most rugged and even minimalist aesthetics nowadays (undoubtedly the reason it is not often featured in glossy travel magazines), it is of even greater historical importance. For enthusiasts, the sites former status as a pivotal trading outpost for the Incas is reason enough for a visit.Among the sites highlights is a massive monolithic structure carved from one stone, the Gateway to the Sun.Gateway to the Sun, by Sasha India. Source: FlickrWhile the site is rightfully impressive, visiting without a local guide means you might risk missing much of the context. There is much to discover about the details hereincluding the carved inscriptions on the spectacular gatewayso take a guide with you on your visit.3. Nazca Lines, PeruNazca spider, by Diego Delso. Source: Wikimedia CommonsIf archaeological mysteries tickle your interest, pop the Nazca Lines at the top of your must-visit list. These mammoth geoglyphs were etched into the desert floor of southern Peru over 2,000 years ago. They depict many different shapesfrom animals like hummingbirds and monkeys to geometric patterns and humanoid figures, many stretching for miles. The purpose of the Nazca Lines remains unknown, although some researchers believe they had astronomical or religious significance. Others think they were part of water rituals to invoke rain.Whatever their purpose, one thing is sure: the Nazca Lines are best appreciated from the sky. A short flight over the desert will give you a panoramic view of these ancient artworks, which are mind-boggling in size and precision.FYI the Pan-American Highway traverses a few geoglyphs since the road was built in the 1930s before the lines were widely recognized as exceptional. Yes, you will find a few observation decks along the side of the road but trust that nothing compares to being even higher up. If you manage to get this far into Peru, dont miss a light plane flight!4. Chan Chan, PeruIn the desert and of the desertthe spectacular mud city of Chan Chan! By Martin Garcia. Source: FlickrOnce the largest city in pre-Columbian America, Chan Chan was a sprawling metropolis and the capital of the Chim Empire. The city was made of adobe and covered nearly eight square miles (20 square kilometers) during its glory days in the early 15th century. At the time it was home to an estimated 50,000 people.The Chim and Inca cultures coexisted for several centuriesthe latter ruling the Andean highlands of modern-day Peru, while the former thriving in the northern, much drier region.The Chim are highly regarded for their engineering advances and, in particular, their progressive irrigation systems. The empire flourished in what is essentially a dry and very inhospitable desert environment. When you visit the citadel, youll see walls adorned with intricate carvings of animals, mainly fish, and an abundance of ornamental designs. While time may have worn away much of Chan Chan, you can still explore its maze-like walls and imagine what life must have been like in this desert city before the Incas conquered it. Archaeologists are still very busy exploring the site. As recently as 2019, a mass burial ground of sacrificed children was discovered hereso odds are there is much more to be found here.Northern Peru is incredibly underrated and is home to a flurry of fantastic historical sites that see only a fraction of the tourists that visit the south. Aside from Chan Chan, it is home to the ruins of Caral, Kuelap (the former headquarters of the Cloud Warriors), the Revash burial cliffs, and the extraordinary Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipn Museum.5. Cueva de las Manos, ArgentinaRock art, Cueva de las Manos, by Rita Willaert. Source: FlickrIn a remote corner of Argentine Patagonia is one of South Americas oldest and most enchanting archaeological sites: Cueva de las Manos, or the Cave of Hands. The name is a misnomer because the site is, in reality, a series of caves. The walls of these caves are covered in thousands of handprints believed to have been made by ancient hunter-gatherers over 9,000 years ago.The prints were skillfully made by blowing pigment around hands pressed against the rock, thus creating a striking negative image with soft and feathered edges.Spectacular scenery of the Ruta 40 near the Cave of Hands, Argentina, by Carlos Zito. Source: Wikimedia CommonsAside from handprints, there are also depictions of daily life at the time, with hunting scenes, guanacos (wild llamas), and humans drawn in intricate detail. These prehistoric cave paintings are amongst the most important archaeological finds.Patagonia is a humongous region that is challenging to explore independently because it isnt thoroughly developed. If you are planning a self-drive journey, note that the closest big name attraction to the cave is the Perito Moreno Glacier. From there, you can plan a long but feasible day trip to Cueva de las Manos. It is one of many historical highlights along the legendary Ruta 40.6. San Agustn Archaeological Park, ColombiaSan Agustin, by Mario Carvajal. Source: Wikimedia CommonsTucked away in the Andean highlands of Colombia, San Agustn is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to over 500 statues and megaliths, most depicting gods, animals, and mythical beings. The park is the worlds largest necropolis, where leading members of ancient cultures were buried alongside imposing statues meant to be standing guard.Exploring San Agustn feels a bit like stepping into an outdoor museum. The statues are scattered across a lush landscape that stretches across almost 200 square miles. Some are small and detailed, while others are towering and ominous, hinting at the spiritual beliefs of the long-lost civilization that created them.Colombia has no shortage of unique historical treasures, but this site is unquestionably unrivaled.7. Rapa Nui (Easter Island), ChileStanding guard for centuriesthe Moai of Easter Island, by Thomas Griggs. Source: UnsplashFar out in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, over 2,000 miles off mainland Chile, Easter Island is shrouded in mystery and legend. The island, known as Rapa Nui to locals, is renowned for its enormous Moai statues that dot its landscapes, carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. These statues, with their oversized heads and haunting expressions, are thought to represent the islands ancestors, and they were initially placed along the coastline to watch over the land.How the Rapa Nui people transported these colossal statuessome weighing more than 80 tonswithout machinery still puzzles the experts. Local legends, however, say the statues were walked across the plainsmuch like one would move a fridge across a room by jiggling it from side to side, making minuscule progress but eventually getting there.What makes Easter Island even more fascinating is its stark isolation. It is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth, and the journey there feels like a true adventure. Most visitors head here on direct flights from Santiago, although a more epic way to visit is on an expedition cruise to Antarctica.8. Ingapirca, EcuadorThe Sun Temple at Ingapirca, by Elias Rovielo. Source: FlickrMachu Picchu may be the crown jewel of Incan archaeology, but that doesnt make Ecuadors Ingapirca any less enticing. The ancient fortress, located outside the beautiful colonial town of Cuenca, was built by the Incas in the 15th century during their era of expansion and it served as both a religious and, perhaps more crucially, a military outpost. The Sun Temple, the sites focal point, was constructed with the same mortarless stonework that makes Machu Picchu so famous.Ingapirca is the most significant Inca citadel outside of Peru and the largest in Ecuador. It features a blend of architecture, as the Incas incorporated the existing structures of the Caari people, whom they conquered. This blend is a form of architectural and cultural syncretism, a tactic the Incas utilized far and wide.A tip for visiting Ingapirca this stellar site is Ecuadors answer to Machu Picchu in more ways than one. Aside from being a high-altitude Inca citadel of great importance, like Machu Picchu, it also offers a bona fide three-day Inca Trail that leads to it. The trail is part of the once colossal Inca road system that spread the breadth and width of the empire, connecting all its major cities. The Ecuadorian Inca Trail is more affordable and far less crowded than its Peruvian counterpart. It is an excellent alternative for history buffs who love exploring off the well-trodden Gringo Trail.9. Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, BrazilJesuit ruins, by Ian Storni Machado. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe Jesuit Missions of the Guarani are an interesting mix of European and indigenous cultures set deep in the southeastern Brazilian countryside. Jesuit priests set up missions in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay in the 1600s. These missions primarily aimed to civilize and convert the indigenous populace to Christianity. Yet, they also protected them from slave traders.In Brazil, the Guarani ruins feature outstanding Baroque architecture and testify to the collaboration between the Jesuits and the local indigenous tribe. Much like the Incas, the Jesuits likewise aimed to fuse at least some aspects of their culture and architecture in the building of their missions, which turned out to be quite beneficial to the locals acceptance of the invaders.The two seemingly opposing sides became so intertwined that they even fought wars, side by side, against Spanish and Portuguese colonizers when new country borders were drawn up in 1750.Incidentally, the indigenous Guarani are still fighting for their land and survival in Brazil today.10. Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara, BrazilCave paintings, Serra de Capivara, by Carlos Reis. Source: FlickrRemaining in Brazil but traveling to the northeastern region is the Serra da Capivara National Park, an absolute treasure trove of prehistoric art. The parks rock shelters and caves contain some of the oldest cave paintings in the Americas, with some dating back over 25,000 years. Much as they do in Argentina, the images in Brazils caves depict animals, humans, and geometric patterns. These prints, however, are almost 15,000 years older, showcasing art from one of South Americas oldest civilizations.Beyond its archaeological importance, Serra da Capivara is a breathtaking natural park, featuring dramatic rock formations, lush vegetation, and a rich variety of wildlife. If youre exploring Brazils northern provinces, a visit to the park is an absolute must.

Here are 12 of Johnny Cash's favorite Southern meals. These old-school dishes provide insight into the home life of the music icon and some tasty dinner ideas.

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