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Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What common myths, assumptions, or misconceptions might exist about the Americas before Columbus? Why do you think these myths have persisted?

Teaching Suggestion: This question connects to the themes of The Myth of the “Noble Savage” and The Pristine Wilderness Myth. Mann devotes discussion to how these myths were created and the evidence that refutes them, so it may be helpful for students to have a general understanding of these ideas and assumptions before a class study of the book. For a more focused discussion, students might investigate these myths; the provided links offer background. Investigation might also address other myths that students have encountered about the Americas.

• “Explainer - The Myth of the Noble Savage” - This article from The Conversation provides background on the origin and history of the term “Noble Savage.” It includes examples of the term’s use to describe different Indigenous peoples throughout the world.
• “How ‘Wilderness’ Was Invented Without Indigenous Peoples” - This article from Sapiens discusses the origin of The Pristine Wilderness Myth and ways that it has been applied to different areas around the world.