1. Now…
…let’s look at other early civilizations that developed throughout the world.

2. EARLY CIVILIZATIONS OF MESOAMERICA

3. Early Civilizations in the Americas
The Americas were completely cut off from the Eastern Hemisphere until 1492
Agricultural revolution was independently invented and cultural diffusion was within the region
Prehistoric people reached the Western Hemisphere from Asia
Crossed a land bridge

4. Early Civilizations in the Americas: Geography
The tremendous distance north to south is important in the Americas
Environments vary greatly with frozen regions in the north and tropical rain forests in the south.
Also, vast plains, heavy forests, and high mountain ranges
These features made farming impossible in some areas

5. Early Civilizations in the Americas: Geography
Contact was difficult
Two places where farming was the basis for development of civilizations were Mesoamerica (now Mexico) and the Andean Mountains along the coast in NW South America

6. Early Civilizations in the Americas The Olmec (1200-400 B.C.E.)
Agricultural villages appeared in 3000 B.C.E. and spread over the region
Beans, peppers, avocados, squash, and maize
All completely different from the Eastern Hemisphere
Only domesticated a few animals (dogs and turkeys); No beasts of burden
Human labor provided all the labor
No wheeled vehicles or animals to pull them
The Olmec established the first civilization 1200 B.C.E.

7. Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec
Olmec, also known as the “rubber people”
Economy based on agriculture, but no need for irrigation due to abundant rainfall
Not located on a river!!!
Built drainage systems to control water; raised fields to grow in wetland area
Cities grew as religious and trade centers
Traded salt, cacao, clay and limestone
No competitive city states like Mesopotamia

8. Early Civilizations in the Americas: Olmecs
Olmec society was authoritarian and hierarchical
Elite group of priests dominated society. conducted rituals, gave advice about rainfall, and directed city planning so they aligned with the stars
Astronomical events were believed to influence human affairs
Olmec calendar

9. Early Civilizations in the Americas: Olmec
Ruler and family were another elite group
Directed labor for city building projects from the population
Most people lived in areas outside the cities
Skilled artisans created carvings and sculptures for buildings and jade figurines, jewelry, and ceremonial objects
A class of merchant traveled long distances trading in jade, obsidian rocks and pottery

10. Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec
Little is known, but some sort of king as leader combined with religious and secular responsibilities were in major cities
The elite lived in elaborate houses; commoners simple houses of sticks and mud
Giant heads were sculpted from basalt and symbolized the power of the ruling families.

12. Early Civilizations in the Americas: The Olmec
Great carvers of jade and conquered to get it
Developed a number system based on 30 and a 365 day calendar
Ancestors of the great Mayan civilization that will follow
Decline is a puzzle; (between B.C.E.)
Scholars believe it was an internal conflict