Early American Migrations and Civilizations

Study Notes

Early American Migrations and Civilizations

First Americans migrated to the Americas from Asia.
The first major civilization emerged along the Mexican Gulf Coast.
The Inca Empire controlled an extensive area, centered on the Andes Mountains.
Cahokia's temple mounds demonstrate the impact of Mesoamerican culture on North America.
Inca "Chosen Women" were trained and served the sun god.
The Inca's sophisticated road system enabled rapid communication and troop movement.
Early settlements were established along the Peruvian coast, notably fishing villages.
Chavín culture significantly influenced later Peruvian societies, particularly in arts and religion.
The Sapa Inca held absolute power in the Inca Empire.
Inca runners carried messages at a rate of about 200 miles per day.

Mesoamerican Cultures

Teotihuacan was a prominent city in the Valley of Mexico, flourishing from 100 to 750 AD.
Tribute was a common form of payment from conquered peoples.
The quipu was a system of knotted strings used for record-keeping by the Inca.
Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire.
Cahokia was the ceremonial center of the Mississippian culture.
Potlatch was a ceremony where wealth was distributed among guests.
Kiva was a large underground chamber used in religious ceremonies.
Igloo is a dome-shaped home made from snow and ice.
Tikal was a significant Mayan city.
Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire.
Alloy describes a metallic substance made of multiple elements.

Anasazi Builders

Between 900 and 1300 AD, the Anasazi created substantial villages later known as pueblos by the Spanish.

Native American Diversity

North American indigenous groups demonstrated impressive cultural diversity due to adapting to their various surroundings.
Environmental factors, such as the Rocky Mountains, Mississippi River, and Southwest deserts, heavily influenced the way of life.
Farming, fishing, and the creation of homes like pueblos were characteristics of various groups' adaptations.

Aztec and Inca Similarities and Differences

Both the Aztecs and Incas worshipped the sun god.
Religious leaders held significant roles in both societies.
The Inca had special female attendants (Chosen Women) who served the sun god.
The Aztecs carried out human sacrifices to appease the gods.

Description

Explore the fascinating early migrations and civilizations of America, from the first settlers arriving from Asia to the rise of powerful empires like the Inca. This quiz delves into significant cultural influences and key historical developments, including Mesoamerican cultures and the impact of various civilizations. Test your knowledge on these foundational aspects of early American history.