Early Civilizations in America and Late Bronze Age in Middle East

Agriculture was independently invented Cultural Diffusion within North and South America Cross over? 35,000? Great divide of North and South America  Geographical areas made contact difficult

Mesoamerican agricultural villages appeared around 3000 BCE and spread for 1,000 years. Farmers  beans, peppers, avocados, maize (Very different from Eastern Hemisphere) Not much domestication of animals  turkey, dog, NO LARGE ANIMALS Wheeled vehicles? Very specialized labor and sharp class distinctions

No need for irrigation. Why? Cities became religious and trade centers No evidence of competitive city-states like Mesopotamia Authoritarian and hierarchical Priests, the ruler and family had great houses Little known about the politics  some type of Kingship mixed with religious responsibilities Olmec Giant Heads 365 day calendar Carvers of jade Language unknown Decline?  main sites deserted between BCE, completely by 100 BCE.

About the same time as the Olmecs Both civilizations did NOT develop around River Valleys Peruvian terrain  difficulties Dry coast and high mountain valley Capitals location helped control trade Agriculture: maize, potatoes, fruit, cotton and coca leaves Domesticated beast of burden: Llama Gold and silver metal work Superior quality textiles

Motivation for empire?..... Control the trade routes Cultural diffusion over large areas Proof of what? Major influence is religion.  Jaguar god with human and animal features Snakes, hawks, eagles, human-like felines