US History Chapter 1 Vocab.
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Created by:
scottishtorch09 on September 13, 2010
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23 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 anthropologist | scientist who studies the physical characteristics and cultures of humans and their ancestors |
| archeologists | Scientists who learn about early people by excavating and studying the traces of early settlements. |
| artifacts | object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced |
| pre-Columbian | objects or articles that are from the period of time before 1500 A.D. |
| migration | the movement of persons from one country or locality to another |
| Paleo-Indians | the ancient peoples of the Americas who were present at the end of the last Ice Age. |
| hunter-gatherers | people who hunt animals and gather wild plants to provid thier needs |
| domestication | the taming of animals for human use, such as work or as food |
| civilizations | a complex, organized society that has advanced cities, a government, religion, record keeping and writing, job specialization, social classes, and arts and architecture |
| Mesoamerica | "Middle America" the region extending from modern-day Mexico through Central America |
| Olmecs | (1400 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E.) earliest known Mexican civilization,lived in rainforests along the Gulf of Mexico, developed calendar and constructed public buildings and temples, carried on trade with other groups. |
| glyphic writing | use of symbols and images to express words and ideas |
| Mayas | The Indians of one of the most advanced early civilizations of the Western Hemisphere; made their home in Central America. |
| Aztecs | (1200-1521) 1300, they settled in the valley of Mexico. Grew corn. Engaged in frequent warfare to conquer others of the region. Worshipped many gods (polytheistic). Believed the sun god needed human blood to continue his journeys across the sky. Practiced human sacrifices and those sacrificed were captured warriors from other tribes and those who volunteered for the honor. |
| tribute | something given or done as an expression of esteem |
| empire | a group of countries under a single authority, or a rule of foreign territory |
| Incas | Ancient civilization (1200-1500AD) that was located in the Andes in Peru |
| Anasazi | a Native American who lived in what is now southern Colorado and Utah and northern Arizona and New Mexico and who built cliff dwellings |
| social classes | groups with different levels of importance |
| slash-and-burn farming | the practice of burning brush and debris to enhance the quality of soil for farming |
| ecology | the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment |
| technology | tools and skills people use to meet their basic needs |
| shaman | an ancient doctor, healer, or priest, they were called upon for religious ceremonies |
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