2.  Archaeology – The scientific study of the remains of past human life.  Clovis Point Spear – One of the most important pieces of evidence regarding human migration.  Evidence can be controversial…think of ancient burial grounds and how different people can make different interpretations!  Kennewick Man

4. What role did the “Ice Age” play in migration? Nomads- “1 st Americans” arrived between 12,000 and 40,000 years ago. The Nomads followed the hunters-gatherers way of life meaning that women collected berries, nuts, etc. and men hunted animals. What did they do when herds of animals moved?

5. The end of the Ice Age left fertile soil and lakes and began the “Agricultural Revolution.” Give 3 examples of the benefits of being able to grow food vs. hunting food. Most popular crops were corn, beans, and squashes. Led to population growth and beginning of governments in Americas

6.  Olmec- known as “Mother culture of Mesoamerica.” Engineers and artists and first to develop writing system.  Mayans- succeeded Olmec culture. Also developed writing system, but added number system. Studied the stars (Mayan calendar)  Toltec- succeeded Mayans…Toltec were warriors, artisans, and builders. Their ruins still stand today in Central Mexico.

7.  The Mayan ruins and artifacts at Palenque give us just a glimpse of what must have been a powerful city in ancient times. The Mayans not only were advanced in their architecture, but had a language and a very advanced calendar. Astronomy and math were other areas of expertise of this now vanished civilization.

9.  Aztec- Warrior-like group that conquered many neighboring peoples. They demanded regular payment of tribute such as food, wood, furs, and slaves. Held rituals to satisfy gods and rulers were hated by own people.  Inca- Rose to power in South America at the same time as Aztecs. Built vast empire connected by roads and bridges. Largest empire in Americas (roughly 12 million people).

10.  The Inca civilization was probably the largest in the Americas. Because they had no written language, what we know of the history of the Incas and their realm comes from chronicles and other documents written in the decades after the Spanish conquest. At the height of their power, the Incas controlled a vast territory that covered extremely rugged terrain and different climates, inhabited by perhaps over six million people. Those lands were home to people of dozens of different ethnic groups, representing numerous different languages.

11.  Machu Picchu was one of the most sacred communities of the Inca.

12. Aztec Skull Carvings

13.  People of the Southwest- Agriculture was key in survival. How did they grow crops in desert?  Hohokam and Anasazi are two main groups from this region. Give an example of what might have led to their decline.

14.  The Anasazi culture emerged in the southwestern USA long before the whites arrived. They left a great deal of archaeological evidence that can now be found in the Four Corners area (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.) The main center of this culture was in the Chaco Canyon.

15.  The Mound Builders were a group of early Native Americans who created the largest city (and the only one like it) north of Mexico during the early history of North America. Researchers believe between 15,000 and 25,000 people lived in Cahokia at it's height of power. Many of their creations still can be seen in Illinois and archaeologists are working to learn more about their civilization and preserving the artifacts which they left behind. (Concentrated in Ohio River Valley)

16. What do you think is under “the snake” in the ground?

18.  Adena and Hopewell were two highly organized farming societies.  Adena culture is famous for wide trade network which allowed them to obtain copper, pearls, etc. from far away

19.  Hopewell culture famous for swallowing up Adena Culture and skilled artists that carved human statues.  Mississippian culture- Most advanced farming culture north of Mexico. They introduced new farming tool--the hoe. Greatest city was Cahokia (near present day St. Louis), which was perhaps as big as London in 1100’s, and it’s central pyramid was largest structure in US until late 1800’s.