Earliest Americans Many scholars believe that Asians crossed the land bridge (Beringia) chasing animals around 10,000 BC Others believe Asians island-hopped across the Pacific Around 7,000 BC the Americas underwent an agricultural revolution (maize was the staple). They also grew squash, gourds, beans, avocado, and chilies. Farmers created dirt islands in ponds and lakes because they were naturally irrigated and provided 3+ harvests per year

Agriculture provided reliable food source, allowing for specialization. They developed skills in arts, building, and other fields Social gap increased with specialization

Early Mesoamerica Mesoamerica stretches from central Mexico to northern Honduras 1 st civilization was Olmec (1200 BC); thrived from BC------MAP on 241 The Gulf Coast contained abundant resources in salt, tar, clay, wood, and rubber. These were good for trading Two cities– San Lorenzo and La Venta; both important for trade and religion (polytheistic) Not sure about their demise, but scholars think that invaders caused it

2 nd civilization develops in Oaxaca (the Zapotec people) Region of mountains and valleys in S. Mexico (pg 241) Had fertile soil, a mild climate, and adequate rainfall City of Monte Alban emerges as the Zapotec urban center. Had a commanding view of the valley from a plateau and was home to 25,000 people The Zapotec controlled the Oaxaca Valley for approximately 1,000 years

Olmec and Zapotec Legacies Olmec Art and design (buildings) Idea of ceremonial centers Idea of an elite ruling class Ritual ball games Zapotec Hieroglyphic writing system First city builders in Americas Calendar system based on mvmt of the sun

Early Andes Civilization 2 nd tallest mtn range in the world Stretches from _________to ___________ First civilization emerge in Peru __________________________________________ _____ Areas between mtns and oceans are a coastal plain that contains river valleys First inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who start farming around 3,000 BC

Chavin Settlements __________ is est. in the mountains ( BC) Primarily a ___________civilization (no political or economic evidence found) Passed down art styles (stone carving, pottery, textiles) down to later South American civilizations Considered the “_______________” in S. America like Olmec is in Mesoamerica Hunter-gatherers who rely on seafood and small game for food source Found ____________and _______________

As the Chavin decline, the ____________and __________emerge Nazca Nazca flourish from 200 BC-600 AD in southern region of Peru Because it was relatively dry, Nazca developed _________________to farm the lands The Nazca are known for their beautiful ______________and _______________ Most importantly known for “________________”

Moche Est. on the northern regions of Peru AD Grew __________________________________________ with the aid of the rivers and their irrigation system Also were hunter-gatherers who ________ Extremely wealthy civilization (______________________) Moche were artistic  created exquisite pottery that depicted everyday life (no written language) Unsure of their religious practices and their decline