Now… …let’s look at other early civilizations that developed throughout the world.

EARLY CIVILIZATIONS OF MESOAMERICA

Early Civilizations in the Americas The Americas were completely cut off from the Eastern Hemisphere until 1492 Agricultural revolution was independently invented and cultural diffusion was within the region Prehistoric people reached the Western Hemisphere from Asia Crossed a land bridge

Early Civilizations in the Americas: Geography The tremendous distance north to south is important in the Americas Environments vary greatly with frozen regions in the north and tropical rain forests in the south. Also, vast plains, heavy forests, and high mountain ranges These features made farming impossible in some areas

Early Civilizations in the Americas: Geography Contact was difficult Two places where farming was the basis for development of civilizations were Mesoamerica (now Mexico) and the Andean Mountains along the coast in NW South America

Early Civilizations in the Americas The Olmec (1200-400 B.C.E.) Agricultural villages appeared in 3000 B.C.E. and spread over the region Beans, peppers, avocados, squash, and maize All completely different from the Eastern Hemisphere Only domesticated a few animals (dogs and turkeys); No beasts of burden Human labor provided all the labor No wheeled vehicles or animals to pull them The Olmec established the first civilization 1200 B.C.E.

Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec Olmec, also known as the “rubber people” Economy based on agriculture, but no need for irrigation due to abundant rainfall Not located on a river!!! Built drainage systems to control water; raised fields to grow in wetland area Cities grew as religious and trade centers Traded salt, cacao, clay and limestone No competitive city states like Mesopotamia

Early Civilizations in the Americas: Olmecs Olmec society was authoritarian and hierarchical Elite group of priests dominated society. conducted rituals, gave advice about rainfall, and directed city planning so they aligned with the stars Astronomical events were believed to influence human affairs Olmec calendar

Early Civilizations in the Americas: Olmec Ruler and family were another elite group Directed labor for city building projects from the population Most people lived in areas outside the cities Skilled artisans created carvings and sculptures for buildings and jade figurines, jewelry, and ceremonial objects A class of merchant traveled long distances trading in jade, obsidian rocks and pottery

Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec Little is known, but some sort of king as leader combined with religious and secular responsibilities were in major cities The elite lived in elaborate houses; commoners simple houses of sticks and mud Giant heads were sculpted from basalt and symbolized the power of the ruling families.

Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec Great carvers of jade and conquered to get it Developed a number system based on 30 and a 365 day calendar Ancestors of the great Mayan civilization that will follow Decline is a puzzle; (between 900-600 B.C.E.) Scholars believe it was an internal conflict