The diverse geography of the Americas resulted in the emergence of many varied and highly advanced civilizations. The following will be discussed in this chapter: The peoples of North America, early civilizations in Mesoamerica, early civilizations in South America. | Splash Screen Chapter Menu Chapter Introduction Section 1: The Peoples of North America Section 2: Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Section 3: Early Civilizations in South America Visual Summary Chapter Intro What can ruins teach us about civilization? The sacred city of Chichén Itzá is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya and Toltec cultures. El Caracol, the observatory shown in the photo, was used by the Maya and the Toltec to measure the movement of the moon, stars, and planets. It exhibits the advanced engineering and astronomy skills of its builders. In this chapter you will learn about the early civilizations of the Americas. • Why do you think the Maya and the Toltec went to such efforts to understand the movement of the moon, stars, and planets? • Why do archaeologists study ancient ruins today? Chapter Intro Chapter Intro Chapter Intro 1 The Peoples of North America How does geography influence a people’s way of living? Chapter Intro 2 Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Why might several successive civilizations develop in a certain area? Chapter Intro 3 Early Civilizations in South America How does a particular civilization become dominant in a region? Chapter Preview-End Section 1-Main Idea The BIG Idea Physical Geography Hunters and gatherers spread into the North American continent and established their unique ways of living. Section 1-Key Terms Content Vocabulary longhouse clan tepee adobe pueblo Academic Vocabulary survive temporary Section 1-Key Terms People and Places Bering Strait Inuit Gulf of Mexico Hopewell Cahokia Iroquois Plains Indians Anasazi Mesa Verde A B Section 1-Polling Question Do you see any evidence of the early people of North America in your community? A. Yes B. No Section 1 The First North Americans Early hunters and gatherers moved across the Bering Strait into North America, later forming distinct cultures. Section 1 The first Americans were probably nomadic hunters who crossed the Bering Strait from . | Splash Screen Chapter Menu Chapter Introduction Section 1: The Peoples of North America Section 2: Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Section 3: Early Civilizations in South America Visual Summary Chapter Intro What can ruins teach us about civilization? The sacred city of Chichén Itzá is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya and Toltec cultures. El Caracol, the observatory shown in the photo, was used by the Maya and the Toltec to measure the movement of the moon, stars, and planets. It exhibits the advanced engineering and astronomy skills of its builders. In this chapter you will learn about the early civilizations of the Americas. • Why do you think the Maya and the Toltec went to such efforts to understand the movement of the moon, stars, and planets? • Why do archaeologists study ancient ruins today? Chapter Intro Chapter Intro Chapter Intro 1 The Peoples of North America How does geography influence a people’s way of living? Chapter Intro 2 Early .
