1. Prehistoric Cultures
The student will evaluate the development of Native American cultures and the impact of European exploration and settlement on the Native American cultures in Georgia

2. The earliest known culture is that of the Paleo Indians, whose culture lasted until about 10,000 years ago. The word Paleo means “very old” or “long ago”. Early people sometimes can be identified by the material they used to make knives, scrapers and points for spears.

3. Because most tools and spear points used by the paleo culture were made of stone, this period is referred to as the Paleo (old stone) age. The Paleo culture also used an amazing invention called the ATLATL – a smooth stone sling like implement that threw darts more accurately than they were thrown by hand.

4. The Paleo people were NOMADIC (roaming) hunters who wandered from place to place following herds of large animals. The hunters used long wooden spears to kill the animals or may have chased the animals over the cliff to kill them.

5. Remains of Paleo dwelling places indicate that Paleo people lived in groups of 25 to 50 people. Because these people moved around, they did not leave many artifacts in any one place. Only a few Paleo sites have been found in Georgia.

6. Of what material were most of the tools of the paleo people made?
Copper
Flint
Stone
Wood

7. The oldest known Native American culture in North America was
Archaic culture
Mississippian culture
Paleo culture
Woodland culture

8. Why are there so few Paleo sites in Georgia?
Remains from the “Old Stone Age: have been destroyed by natural forces
The nomadic Paleo Indians did not leave many artifacts in any one place
Paleo sties were often looted by cultural groups that came after them
Paleo Indians lived primarily in western states, not in Georgia

9. Why have few Paleo artifacts been found in any one place?
Few people lived during that time
People did not leave any artifacts
Artifacts disappeared over time
People moved frequently

10. Which people were FIRST to use the atlatl?
Archaic
Mississippian
Paleo
Woodland

11. During what prehistoric period did large game become extinct?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland

12. Why did the Archaic people move frequently?
A. To locate farmland
B. To find enough food
C. To trade with others
D. To find secure shelter

13. During which prehistoric period did horticulture begin?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland

14. Which people were the FIRST to make and use pottery?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland

15. Which factor resulted in prehistoric Indians making permanent settlements?
A. The Indians began to cultivate plants
B. The Indians had abundant large game
C. The Indians followed herds of large animals
D. The Indians wanted to band together for protection