Wk.1 Class Presentation

Class Learning Objective:

Students will be able to comprehend, examine, analyze and synthesis the pattern of early migration to the Americas, the accomplishments of the early American civilization and their impact on present cultural attitudes.

Migration from Africa to “America”

Where do we Mark the Beginning of America?

Early Paleo-Indiana, 25,000-11,000 Years Ago

Kennewick Man 2005, Atlatl Spear

Clovis Hunters, 14,000 Years Ago

Archaic Period about 7,000 years ago

Native American Creation Stories

Mesoamerica, Over 5,000 Year Ago

Maize in Mesoameria

Maize Cultural : No Domesticated Animals

Agriculture: Corn, squash, beans

Olmec Civilization3,000 years ago

Chinampa

Ball Court

Codices (Hieroglyphics)

Other Characteristics of Olmec Civilization

• human sacrifices • lip ornaments • periodic market systems • polished obsidian • sandals with heels • 13 as a ritual number year of 18 months of 20

days plus 5 extra days • wood clubs laced with flint or obsidian blades• stepped pyramids jade as precious stone

Olmec/Egyptian

End of Olmec Civilization

New Era 500 to 1500 C.E.

Geography of Incan Empire

The Incan calendar was divided into 12 months. Each month was divided into 3 weeks. Each week had 10 days

Incan Achievements

Quipas

Farming

Roads and Runners and Communication

Government

Inca Army

Tax System

Machu Picchu

• Achievements important to the success of the Inca Empire:

• Communication: (roads, runners) • Specialized Professions (engineers, metal

workers, stone masons, other artisans) • Service Tax (huge free labor force) • Technology (terrace farming, surplus crops,

irrigation systems) • Strong Central Government (all powerful Inca,

strict laws, basic needs satisfied)

• Recap of Inventions: • Terrace Farming • Freeze Dried Foods • Use of Gold and Silver • Marvelous Stonework • Wonderful Textiles • Aqueducts (the Incas were frequent bathers) • Hanging Bridges • Panpipes • Systems of Measurement (calendar, quipus)

• Things they did NOT invent: • The wheel, a system of writing

Mayan Civilization

Aztec Empire

Aztec View of Tenochtitlan

Ruins of the City Center, Tenochtitlan

The Codex Mendoza :

The

Foundingof

Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan: The “Venice” of the Americas

Floating Gardens

Aztec Writing

Aztec Sun Stone -- Calendar

Aztec Sun Motifs

Aztec Codex (15c Manuscript)

The Aztecs WereFierce Warriors

Aztecs Sacrifice Neighboring Tribes to the Sun God

Heart Sacrificeon an Aztec Temple

Pyramid

Wall of Skulls, Tenochtitlan

Sacrificial Statue, Tenochtitlan

Aztec Gold

Group Discussion

• When we think of Native Americans we often visualize Indians on horseback with feather headdresses; tepees and buffalo robes. We get this image from television and movies, but it is not an accurate picture of almost all Indian tribes. Using what you know from your reading for this class or anything you read in the past or seen, what do you see as the “typical” Indian of the Pre-Columbian Era? Is there such a thing as a “typical” Indian in your estimation? Yes? No? Why do you feel the way you do? What evidence can you find to support your opinion?

Aztec and Europe: End of a Civilization