Notes: Chapter 9

1
Notes Chapter 9

• The Americas A Separate World

2
A Land Bridge

• Most experts believe the first people of the
  Americas crossed over from Asia on a land bridge
  called Beringia, which crossed the Bering Strait.
  Later, others may have arrived by boat.
• The first Americans arrived at the end of the Ice
  Age, which lasted until 10,000 B.C.

3
Hunters and Gatherers

• The first Americans lived as hunters and
  gatherers, tracking large prey such as the Wooly
  Mammoth.
• The first Americans probably followed prey across
  the land bridge and, eventually, south into the
  Americas.

4
Farming

• Around 7,000 B.C. the early Americans began
  experimenting with farming. By 3400 B.C. farming
  in Mexico included squashes, gourds, beans,
  avocados, chilies, and, most importantly, corn or
  maize.
• The use of farming provided a more reliable food
  supply, allowing population to grow and settle in
  permanent communities.

5
The Olmec (Central America)

• The Olmec, found just west of the Yucatan
  Peninsula, were Mesoamericas first known
  civilization builders.
• The Olmec lived in a fertile area with plenty of
  water for good irrigation. They used their
  resources to build thriving communities.
• The Olmec also used a highly developed trade
  network.

6
The Zapotec (Central America)

• West of the Olmec were the Zapotec, who lived in
  a mountain valley region with fertile soil.
• The Zapotec built stone platforms and temples,
  worked on monumental sculptures, and developed a
  writing system and calendar.
• The Zapotec built the first real urban center in
  the Americas, called Monte Alban.

7
Chavin (South America)

• culture flourished between 900 and 200 B.C.,
  their culture spread throughout northern Peru and
  influenced the civilizations to come after them.

8
Nazca (South America)

• flourished along the southern coast of Peru
  between 200 B.C. and A.D. 600.
• Developed extensive irrigation systems, including
  underground canals.
• Made beautiful textiles and pottery.
• Created the Nazca Lines, a group of pictures
  carved into the ground. There are over 1,000
  pictures of animals, plants, humans, and
  geometric shapes.

9
Moche (South America)

• The Moche lived on the northern coast of Peru
  around A.D. 100 to 700.
• Built impressive irrigation systems.
• Grew crops such as corn, beans, potatoes, squash,
  and peanuts.
• The civilization had enormous wealth with
  beautiful jewelry.