1. Native American Civilizations
Ancient America

2. Civilizations of the South
Of all Native American societies, those in the South were the most elaborate
Incas
Located in Peru, the Incas created an empire of perhaps 6 million people.
Created a complex political system and had a large network of paved roads
Mayas
Very sophisticated written language and accurate calendar.
Advanced agricultural system as well.
Aztecs
Built a large infrastructure
Included a very harsh religion that often centered around human sacrifice.

3. Southern Civilizations Continued
All three of these societies had economies based on agriculture, but each had distinct cities.
Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital and present Mexico City, had a population of 100,000 in 1500, larger than any European city

4. Northern Civilizations
Northern societies did not develop vast empires as those of the south did.
Most of these civilizations were based on hunting and gathering.
Eskimos of the Arctic Circle fished and hunted seals.

5. Mobile Societies
Agricultural societies in the Northeast were more mobile than others.
Their farming techniques were designed to exploit the land quickly
Would set forest fires to clear the land
Plant crops like corn, beans, squash, etc
Once the land was exhausted from farming or from the settlement, they would move on.

6. Agricultural Revolution
All over America, tribes were becoming more sedentary in the last centuries prior to European exploration.
They were developing new ways of producing food, clothing and shelter.
Created less of a need to move