If you must RECONIZE and accept that Jesus is our only path to salvation, what about people before him?

To be more specific, im talking about the Western Hemisphere pre-discovery. BEFORE we brought our knowledge and Faith to America, There was an indiginous population made up of Aztec, Mayan and Ican Native Americans who lived a hunter/gatherer lifestyle. Before them we had the vikings, and during both periods we had the tribes of Africa. They most certianly never herd of a Bible or Jesus. I understand that those who believed in Jesus comming were saved, but the population im referring to was never aware of the Gospel. And the Bible has taught me that RECONIZING what Jesus has done for us is the way, and the only way. I am a Christian and read the King James Bible. This is a serious question and i would like serious, mature answers. Thank you.