THE AMERICAS:
A SEPARATE WORLD
Sungjen, Worawat, Nilar
The Americas - North America, Central America, and South America
The cultures of early Americans developed in ways similar to other early cultures.
Title Text
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The first Americans came from Asia
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Section 2:
The Olmec created America's first civilizations
1200 B.C. - 400 B.C
Begins in a region called Mesoamerica
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The Gulf coast region had abundant deposits of salt, tar, and clay.
A half-human, half-jaguar creature that the Olmec worshiped.
Thought to represent a rain God or earth, fertility, and maize.
Trade and Commerce
- The Olmec appear to have been prosperous people who created a large trading network.
- Their goods traveled throughout Mesoamerica.
- Helped boost the economy and spread influence.
Decline of the Olmec
Cause of decline is not clear
outside invaders may have caused the destruction... The Olmec may have destroyed their own monuments upon the death of their rulers.
Rise of the Zapotec Civlization
- Fertile soil, mild climate, good for agriculture
- Zapotec developed early forms of writing and a calendar system
Monte Alban
- first real urban center
- Had pyramids, temples, and palaces
The Early Mesoamericans' Legacy
Olmec
- Influenced the Maya, art styles, future urban designs
Zapotec
- Hieroglyphic writing system, calendar system
Section 3:
Early Civilizations of the Andes
In the Andes Mountains, various groups created flourishing civilizations
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The Chavin Period
- 900 to 200 B.C.
- Primarily religious civilizations
- Spread art styles, carving, pottery, etc.
NAZCA
- 200 B.C. - A.D. 600
- Nazca Lines
MOCHE
- A.D. 100 -A.D. 700
- Built impressive irrigation systems
- enjoyed variety of foods
- civilization with enormous wealth
Citations
- Googles images. "Google images". Web. September 4. 2015.
- Beck, R. (2003) The Americas: A Separate World. Mcdougall Littell.
- Parfit, Michael. "Who were the first Americans?"National Geographic. Retrieved on September 4, 2015.