Chapter 1- The First Americans Flashcards
Why and how did the first people come to the Americas?
Alaska and Siberia were connected by a land bridge that was called Beringia. Over many generations, small bands of hunters and gatherers (the Paleo-Indians) moved east, migrating seasonally to find food, and eventually advancing into North America.
How do we know what we know about these early peoples?
Scientists were able to find data. Archaeologists were able to find human remains when they were building an oil pipeline across Alaska. Molecular biologists were able to find DNA evidence that shows genetic links between Native Americans and Europeans populations.
Why is the development of farming in Mesoamerica so important?
People soon domesticated wild plants, including beans and squash, which became staple foods along with corn (maize). While hunting and gathering continued on a smaller scale, this agricultural revolution assured families of reliable sources of food, and made it possible for them to live in one community for many generations.
How did the earliest North American peoples adapt to different environments?
In hot, arid regions, when summer came, hunters foraged in higher elevations for food. In the winter, they camped in warmer lowlands.
Archaeology
the study of ancient peoples
maize
a variety of corn
irrigate
to supply water to crops by artificial means
civilization
a highly developed society
migration
the movement of a large number of people into a new area
nomad
a person who moves from place to place
terrace
a broad platform of flat land cut into steep slopes
federation
government linking different groups
theocracy
a society ruled by religious leaders
culture
a people’s shared values, beliefs, traditions, and behaviors
clan
a group of people who have a common ancestor
carbon dating
a scientific method of determining the age of an artifact
strait
a narrow passage of water between two large bodies of water
artifact
tool, weapon, or other object left behind by early peoples
hieroglyphics
a form of writing that uses symbols or pictures to represent things, ideas, and sounds
What early American civilization was the largest?
Inca
What was the 365 day calendar a result from?
Mayan study of astronomy
What was a way that the Maya used their temples?
governmental systems
The Olmec had much influence on the civilizations that came afterward
The Olmec had much influence on the civilizations that came afterward
What was the name of the land bridge from another continent to North America?
Beringia
What was the Aztec capital?
Tenochtitlan
What formed the center of the Maya and Aztec societies?
religion
What is a distinguishing feature of Inca farming?
the use of terraces
What two land masses were once connected by Beringia?
Asia and North America
The Aztec sometimes forced the people of conquered lands into _______.
slavery
Growth of agriculture led to what development?
the formation of communities
Tenochtitlan served as a center of Aztec ____, where thousands of merchants sold their goods.
trade
The Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca were the largest and most developed of the early American civilizations
The Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Inca were the largest and most developed of the early American civilizations
Where were the Anasazi located?
The Four Corners
What was another name for the Anasazi?
“Ancient Pueblo” or “Ancestral Pueblo” because they were the ancestors of modern-day Pueblo tribes, including the Hopi and the Zuni
What is the Four Corners?
the Four Corners are where Utah, Arizona, Mexico, and Colorado meet today
What does Anasazi mean?
ancient enemy
Who coined the name “Anasazi”?
“Anasazi” was coined by the Navajo, who migrated into the Southwest and fought the Ancestral Pueblo people
What is adobe?
a building material made of dried bricks of mud
Cahokia was the city of which tribe?
Hopewell
Who were among the first Americans to irrigate their fields?
the Anasazi along with two other neighboring groups
What city did the Hopewell tribe build?
Cahokia
