Prehistoric Native Americans August 12, 2013

Introduction Long before Europeans ever arrived in North America, Native American tribes lived here Long before Europeans ever arrived in North America, Native American tribes lived here The earliest known group can be traced back tens of thousands of years. The earliest known group can be traced back tens of thousands of years. Much of what we know about these groups is discovered using artifacts, such as pottery and weapons, because they kept no written records of their civilization. Much of what we know about these groups is discovered using artifacts, such as pottery and weapons, because they kept no written records of their civilization. Prehistory: the time before written records Prehistory: the time before written records

Paleo Period This is the earliest known culture This is the earliest known culture Lasted until about 10,000 years ago Lasted until about 10,000 years ago Most of their tools were made of stone Most of their tools were made of stone These people were nomadic (moved around) and followed their food source These people were nomadic (moved around) and followed their food source Often a large herd of animals Often a large herd of animals They lived in groups of about 25 to 50 people They lived in groups of about 25 to 50 people Only a few Paleo sites have been found in Georgia Only a few Paleo sites have been found in Georgia

Archaic Period Divided into 3 parts: Divided into 3 parts: Early Early Middle Middle Late Late Each is characterized by different foods, tools, living habits Each is characterized by different foods, tools, living habits

Early Archaic Period Lasted from about 8000 BCE to 5000 BCE Lasted from about 8000 BCE to 5000 BCE As large animals slowly became extinct, people began hunting smaller animals, like deer and turkeys As large animals slowly became extinct, people began hunting smaller animals, like deer and turkeys Invented useful items made from deer antlers, such as drills and chipping tools Invented useful items made from deer antlers, such as drills and chipping tools People probably moved with the seasons, following food sources People probably moved with the seasons, following food sources

Middle Archaic Period Lasted only about 1000 years, from around 5000 BCE to 4000 BCE Lasted only about 1000 years, from around 5000 BCE to 4000 BCE The temperatures became warm and dry, causing water sources to dry up The temperatures became warm and dry, causing water sources to dry up People probably began to fish around this time period People probably began to fish around this time period They also stayed in one place for longer time periods as food became easier to get They also stayed in one place for longer time periods as food became easier to get

Late Archaic Period Lasted from about 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE Lasted from about 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE Invented the axe to clear trees and bushes around campsites Invented the axe to clear trees and bushes around campsites Also saved seeds to plant in the next growing season Also saved seeds to plant in the next growing season This is believed to be the beginning of farming This is believed to be the beginning of farming It is believed that villages were more permanent than in any other previous time period It is believed that villages were more permanent than in any other previous time period This group also learned to make and use pottery which changed the way food was prepared This group also learned to make and use pottery which changed the way food was prepared

Woodland Period Developed around 1000 BCE and lasted until about 1000 CE Developed around 1000 BCE and lasted until about 1000 CE This is believed to be the beginning of small groups forming large tribes This is believed to be the beginning of small groups forming large tribes Developed the bow and arrow to hunt, and also grew squash and greens to eat Developed the bow and arrow to hunt, and also grew squash and greens to eat Religious ceremonies also began during this time, including burying the dead in cone- shaped burial mounds Religious ceremonies also began during this time, including burying the dead in cone- shaped burial mounds

Mississippian Period Started about 700 CE Started about 700 CE People grew most of their food, including corn, beans, and pumpkins People grew most of their food, including corn, beans, and pumpkins They dressed differently, adding beads and feathers, and also tattooing their bodies They dressed differently, adding beads and feathers, and also tattooing their bodies Several thousand families may have lived in a single settlement Several thousand families may have lived in a single settlement About 1600 CE, people left the villages for unknown reasons, and the culture died out About 1600 CE, people left the villages for unknown reasons, and the culture died out

Questions: 1) What is the earliest known prehistoric Native American group? 1) What is the earliest known prehistoric Native American group? 2) Of what material were most of the tools of the Paleo people made? 2) Of what material were most of the tools of the Paleo people made? 3) What are the 3 classifications of the Archaic period? 3) What are the 3 classifications of the Archaic period? 4) What type of animals were hunted during the Early Archaic period? 4) What type of animals were hunted during the Early Archaic period? 5) During which period did people begin to fish? 5) During which period did people begin to fish? 6) What group is believed to have started farming? 6) What group is believed to have started farming? 7) During which period did the bow and arrow come into use? 7) During which period did the bow and arrow come into use? 8) Which period saved seeds to use for planting? 8) Which period saved seeds to use for planting? 9) Who were the first people to use burial mounds? 9) Who were the first people to use burial mounds? 10) Which group was the first to tattoo their bodies? 10) Which group was the first to tattoo their bodies?