Over 20 "Ancient Americas" Writing Prompts
Leaving the Cliff Dwellings
Tell the story of a group of Ancestral Puebloans facing the decision to abandon their cliffside dwellings. Through the eyes of an elder matriarch, explore the reasons behind this drastic decision, the emotional toll of leaving their ancestral home, and the hopes and fears for their future.
The Potter's Hidden Map
Set in a thriving city in the ancient Americas, you are a skilled potter who discovers a hidden map leading to a mysterious temple. Your story explores the weeks-long journey to find this temple, the friends and foes you meet along the way, and the potentially civilization-changing treasures and truths you uncover.
The Inca Messenger's Race
Envision you are a young Inca messenger, known for your speed and endurance across the vast terrains of the empire. One day, you are tasked with delivering a crucial and secret message that could alter the course of an impending war. Describe your perilous journey across mountains and valleys, weaving in details of the Inca road systems and communication methods.
A Child Builds Machu Picchu
Write a story from the perspective of a young Inca child during the construction of Machu Picchu. Describe their daily life, the beliefs they hold about the gods, and how they perceive the monumental efforts of their community in building the city.
The Olmec Stone Carver
Envision a story set during the time of the Olmecs, focusing on a mysterious artisan who is tasked with creating a new colossal head statue. Delve into their personal life, the pressure from the elite, and the spiritual significance of their work.
The Navajo Healer's Challenge
Create a narrative featuring a Navajo healer during the time when tribes were first making contact with European explorers. Explore the healer's conflict as they learn about new diseases, their efforts to integrate traditional healing with these new challenges, and their role in maintaining harmony within their tribe.
The Mayan Astrologer’s Mistake
Imagine you are a Mayan astrologer tasked with predicting an important celestial event that will decide the next ruler. Describe the rituals, calculations, and political intrigue that surround your duties, and how a seemingly small mistake could change the course of history.
The Maya Scribe's Sky Record
Imagine you are a scribe in the Maya civilization, tasked with recording an unprecedented astronomical event. Describe the preparations, the event itself, and its impact on your society, weaving in the Maya's advanced knowledge of astronomy and calendar systems.
The Maya Astronomer’s Apprentice
As a member of the Maya civilization, you are an apprentice to a famous astronomer during a period of intense solar activity. Write about the implications this celestial phenomenon has on your society, particularly focusing on the religious, social, and architectural innovations that emerge as a result.
The Merchant of Tenochtitlan
Set your story in the bustling market of Tenochtitlan on the eve of the Spanish arrival. Through the eyes of a local merchant, explore the rich, vibrant life of the Aztec capital and how rumors of the strange visitors begin to stir unrest.