Early Civilizations

How we learn about the past

• Prehistory is the period of time before written record

• Scientists called anthropologists study and compare peoples to learn how they live

• Other scientists known as archaeologists use remains of material that they find to study past peoples.

• Archaeologists sift through earth searching for artifacts.

• Artifacts include tools, weapons, and other objects made by people.

• Archaeologists also study human remains• This gives them clues as to how people lived in

the past

• Archaeology has enabled us to learn more about prehistoric Texas

• Archaeologists use other evidence such as drawings or carved pictures on walls or cliffs to learn about prehistoric times

• These help provide clues about how early people lived and their religious practices

• Pictures would show important activities, such as hunting, fighting enemies, or celebrating special days

First Americans• Many scientists believe the first people to live in North

America came from Asia• This migration took place between 38,000 and 10,000

B.C. when they crossed over a land bridge called the Beringia.

• This land bridge was located between Asia and present-day Alaska

• The first Americans were known as Paleo-Indians

Paleo-Indians

• The Paleo-Indians were hunter-gathers, people who hunted animals and gathered wild plants for food.

• These first Americans made stone tools, including axes, knives, and scrapers

• They also made tools from antlers, bones and shells.

Mesoamerica• Around 7000 years ago people

began farming. • This first occurred in

Mesoamerica, a region that includes present-day Mexico and northern Central America

• The important crop for early farmers was maize, a type of corn.

• They also grew beans, squash, and other vegetables

Mesoamerica

• Farming provided a stable source of food and people remained in one place for long periods.

• Populations grew and complex societies developed.

• Organized religious practices became common and people began to specialize in their work.

• Artists, priests, and soldiers developed in some Native American groups

Early Texans• Although large

farming societies developed south and east of Texas, most Texas Indians remained hunter-gatherers.

• They developed in other ways by making pottery and hunting with bows and arrows.

Early civilization

• Several early civilizations developed during the pre-contact period.

• This is a time before Europeans arrived in the Americas

• These civilizations had large cities, complex religions and cultural practices

Texas Indians• Although no large civilizations

developed in Texas, it was home to many Native American groups.

• These groups developed in response to their environment.

• Native Americans living near a river might fish or grow crops.

• Their celebrations and stories would reflect the importance of fishing and farming in their lives

Texas Indians

• In regions where land was not good for farming, groups would learn to hunt and gather.

• These groups valued hunting ability, and they became skilled at tracking animals.

• They also developed tools and weapons suitable for hunting.