Native Texans The Ancient Texans p

The First Texans Arrive ► Before paper, people passed history down by telling stories. ► People migrated to the Western Hemisphere as early as 35,000 years ago. ► They migrated from Asia over a land bridge connecting Siberia and Alaska. ► Today Siberia and Alaska are separated by a narrow body of water, the Bering Strait. ► Water did not always cover this area and people simply walked across the land. ► These early people were hunters and followed herds of animals to modern-day Alaska.

Artifacts are Historical Clues ► Much of what is known about ancient people comes from studies by archeologists – scientists who study evidence of past human activity. ► They search for artifacts such as tools, artwork, bones, and pottery. ► Changes in pottery or tools may be evidence of people moving into an area. ► Human bones provide information about how ancient people looked and what diseases they endured.

Early People Hunt for Food ► The first inhabitants of Texas are believed to have arrived over 10,000 years ago. ► They obtained their food by hunting large animals. ► The people lived in small groups and stayed in one place only temporarily (nomads). They often followed the herds of animals. ► To help them find and prepare food, they developed a variety of tools made of stone or bone. ► They did not depend on meat alone, but gathered berries, nuts, and roots.

Hunters Become Farmers ► Sometime around 100A.D. several groups of people in Texas began to adopt a settled way of life and began to grow their own food. ► Farming meant a more dependable source of food. ► More available food meant an increase in population. ► People no longer roamed in search of food and formed villages. ► Living in one place meant there was more work to do- resulting in a more complex society.

Different Cultures Emerge ► The early people of Texas developed into distinct cultures – all the ways groups of people express and conduct themselves. (language, clothing, beliefs, etc…) ► Anthropologists have named the four culture groups:  Southeastern Cultures  Gulf Cultures  Pueblo Cultures  Plains Cultures ► Each of these cultures developed differently as they adapted to the physical surroundings.

Which group of Indians were wealthy farmers due to their location in Texas? ► A. Comanches ► B. Karankawas ► C. Apaches ► D. Caddoes

These Native Americans lived on the Plains, were fierce warriors and good traders. They came to Texas around the same time as the Spanish. ► A. Alabama Coushattas ► B. Comanches ► C. Caddoes ► D. Karankawas