Unit 1: Early Civilizations Prehistory – A.D. 1570

Quick Review How would you describe the relationship that existed between the Greek city-states of Ancient Greece? What did the Greeks value in their culture? How would you describe the Roman Empire? How would you describe the early years of Christianity?

Chapter 6 Civilizations of the Americas (Prehistory – AD 1570) Mesoamerica: region made up of modern-day Mexico and Central America where the earliest civilizations in the Americas developed

People Settle in the Americas Most scholars believe that long ago, perhaps 10,000 years ago, people migrated across a land bridge connecting Asia to the Americas. Beringia: the name for the possible land bridge that used to connect Asia and the Americas many years ago

The Olmecs The earliest American civilization (1500 BC – 400 BC) Emerged in the Tropical Forests along the Gulf Coast of Mexico Viewed as the ‘Mother Culture’ of Mesoamerica – Art carved in stone – Engaged in trade – Invented a calendar – Carved hieroglyphic writing into stone

The Mayan Built a Widespread Civilization (300 BC – 900 AD) from the Yucatan Peninsula in South Mexico through much of Central America Agriculture Develops and thrives to support rapidly growing cities Complex Polytheistic religion that influenced their cultural life. Mayan Achievements -Built elaborate temples and palaces from stone -Developed a hieroglyphic writing system -Created a 365-day solar calendar Connection to 2012?

Mr. G$ visited the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, in Mexico.

The Aztec Around AD 1325, nomadic people from the north migrated down into the Valley of Mexico During the 1400s, they greatly expanded their territory through conquest and alliances. Aztec religious beliefs dominate life – Practiced human sacrifice (usually prisoners of war) to appease the sun god

Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America The Chavin, around 900 BC, are the earliest known civilization along the western edge of South America

The Inca Develop a Large Empire The Most Powerful of the Andean Civilizations 1100s – 1500s AD Conquered neighboring peoples and imposed their language and religion upon them At its height it was the center for learning and political power

Section 3: Peoples of North America Hundreds of Native American cultural groups lived in North America before AD 1500 and the arrival of Europeans. They each adapted to the geographic conditions of where they lived. Discussion Q: Can you think of any North American tribes? Anything you know about their cultures?

Peoples Adapt to the Desert Southwest Some of the earliest farming cultures arose in the S.W. of modern-day United States. The Hohokam build a complex irrigation system to carry river water to fields The Anasazi build cliff dwellings and pueblos (multi-floor houses connected to each other) Discussion Q: Why do you think the Anasazi built their housing like this?

Cultures Develop in the East In the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys, other farming cultures emerged around 1000 BC. Known for their Earthworks – Piles of earth shaped for various reasons Burial Mound, Platforms, Defensive Walls

Quick Review of Chapter 6 What does the term ‘Mesoamerica’ refer to? How do most scholars believe people arrived in the Americas? Can you point out where the Mayan, Aztec and Incan civilizations developed on this map? How would you describe their ancient civilizations? How would you describe the culture groups that developed in North America prior to European arrival?