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

• 1st civilization was Olmec (1200 BC); thrived from 800-400 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

• 2nd 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 gamesZapotec• Hieroglyphic writing system• First city builders in Americas• Calendar system based on mvmt of the sun

Early Andes Civilization• 2nd tallest mtn range in the world• Stretches from Colombia to Chile• First civilization emerge in Peru• Infertile soil; rocky and steep terrain, harsh climate• 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• Chavin is est. in the mountains (900-200 BC)• Primarily a religious civilization (no political or

economic evidence found)• Passed down art styles (stone carving, pottery,

textiles) down to later South American civilizations• Considered the “mother culture” in S. America like

Olmec is in Mesoamerica• Hunter-gatherers who rely on seafood and small

game for food source• Found pyramids and plazas

• As the Chavin decline, the Nazca and Moche emerge

Nazca• Nazca flourish from 200 BC-600 AD in southern

region of Peru• Because it was relatively dry, Nazca developed

irrigation to farm the lands • The Nazca are known for their beautiful textiles and

pottery• Most importantly known for “Nazca Lines”

Moche• Est. on the northern regions of Peru 100-700 AD• Grew corn, beans, potatoes, squash, and peanuts

with the aid of the rivers and their irrigation system• Also were hunter-gatherers who fished• Extremely wealthy civilization (tombs with jewelry)• Moche were artistic created exquisite pottery that

depicted everyday life (no written language)• Unsure of their religious practices and their decline