Chapter 9 Ancient America

1.Geography of the AmericasA) Rocky mountains

in North America, Andes in South America B) Ancient

civilizations developed in the Andes.

C) Geography of Meso-America less harsh than Andes. Meso- America= Mexico down to Costa Rica

Yucatan Peninsula- jungle area

2. Ancient Andean Civilization

A) First civilization in Andes was the Chavin. 900BC

B) Next civilization was Nazca- masters of art and irrigation. Modern day Peru.

C) Moche culture rose in north Peru. Good with irrigation and architecture.

3. Olmec of Meso-America

A) First civilization in the Americas was Olmec. Cities near Oaxaca.

B) Olmec art- stone heads

C) Olmecs influenced the Mayans who came later.

4. Mayan Civilization

A) 500 BC- Mayan culture developed in central Mexico. Golden age 300-900AD B) Grew beans

and maize, or corn. Made many sacrifices to gods.

C) Art linked to religion- ex. Mayan Calendar. Advanced in math & astronomy