The+Americas

__North America__ Many Native American tribes were either nomadic or semi-nomadic hunter gatherers. The number of these tribes greatly increased around 1500. **Women's status** was not as formally divided as it was in the other parts of the Americas. Typical women labor duties, however not sharply formed differences. Also, the varying climates and environments of North America allowed for the different tribes spread out in to all regions of North America. **Anasazi** were the most famous of the Southwest living in complex dwellings (pueblos). They held ceremonies in underground kivas with the belief that humans would merge from the earth. The women of this agricultural society were most likely allowed to hold property. The **Missippian** Civilization was the most prominent during this time until the largest city Cahokia mysteriously disappeared. (Most known for the continued building of earth mounds used for religious and ceremonial purposes). After this, the hunter gatherers became smaller groups which would soon become the well-known tribal groups of today. The **white settlers** arrival in 1400-1500 drastically changed the dynamics of this area. (Environment, Gender Roles, Religion, Creation)

__Mexico & Central America__
 * Olmecs** provided a base and background for much of what was later found in civilizations of that area. Before the European settlers arrived in Mexico, the main civilization was that of the **Aztecs**, with their largest city, **Tenochtitlan**. A large population of a half million was only part of their make up as they were a very war like group (more so than the Toltecs) who conquered and were in control of around 10 million. The Aztecs had a solid marketplace with much trade within Central America, but their religion was very unique. With their famous pyramids acting as temples and polytheistic views, they worshipped may of the gods that had been worshipped in previous Mesoamerican peoples. The sun god was most important and **humans were sacrificed** as it was believed that human blood was the energy the sun needed. Prisoners of war were the people used in these sacrifices. (Religion, Conflict/Expansion, Trade and Commerce)

__South America__ The first South American society developed on the west coast in the **Andes Mountains**. The civilizations were provided with tough terrain to deal with but managed to come together as a people which aided in creating more advanced cultures and human cooperation. **Andean Civilizations** were divided into clans called **ayllu**. They began to breed animals in their area (llamas especially) for wool, food, and transport. **Women** had an extremely low place in this society with domestic responsibilities whereas lower class women were weavers, farmers, and child rearers. However, some women could become involved in religious temples to escape the more traditional roles. Terrace farming was a result of the treacherous terrain which was difficult to cultivate. They had their own intellectual advancements of inventing a system of writing and a way to keep financial records and accounts, a system called a quipo.

What is important about explaining the basics of the Andean Civilization is that it was the foundation for the **Incas** (1300s-1536). Quickly rising in the same mountainous region, they expanded rapidly form Chile to Ecuador. They created a syatem of transport and communications as well as large cities such as the capital, Cuzco and the temple complex of **Machu Picchu**. Political organization was headed by the **"Great Inca"** who was the highest ruler. Similar to the Aztecs, the sun god was very important and the Great Inca was said to have been a descendent of his. Many dieties were worshipped, especially the Sun god who's temple in Cuzco was ornately decorated and staffed with thousands of women who were "virgins of the sun". Similar to the Aztecs, the **European settlers** brought with them the demise of the Incan civilization. (Environment, Religion, Expanion/Conflict, Agriculture, Labor systems/Class, Political Organization, Gender Roles) 