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Solutrean Hypothesis Is a controversial theory suggeting Europeans from the Solutrean culture may have crossed the Atlantic about 20.000 - 25.000 years ago based or similarities in stone tools. -
About 15,000 years ago: Buttermilk Creek Complex in Texas. Artifacts suggest human presence before the Clovis. -
Coastal Migration Theory: Proposes an earlier migration along the Pacific coast by boat 16,000 - 18.000 years ago, supported by sites like Monte Verde in Chile. -
Beringia Theory: Suggests migration From siberia to Alaska via a land bridge around 15.000 - 20,000 years ago. Supported by genetic links and archaeological euidence like the cloves culture. -
15th - 16th Century: Fourth migration (European contacts). European exploration voyages, such as those of Christopher Columbus, initiate contact with the indigenous peoples of the Americas. -
The Ice Age refers to a period in Earth's history characterized by significant global cooling, during which large ice sheets and glaciers covered substantial portions of the planet's surface. -
About 10,000- 4000 years ago
Includes the use of primitive stone tools. Hunter-gatherers developed basic survival skills.
Transition to a more sedentary lifestyle and the development of more advanced technologies.
Development of agriculture, domestication of animals, and establishment of permanent settlements. -
- Considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica.
- Located on the Gulf Coast of Mexico (Veracruz and Tabasco).
- Famous for its colossal heads, sculptures, and the ballgame.
- Developed a writing system and a calendar.
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- Development of the first civilizations in Mesoamerica.
- Emergence of agricultural practices and permanent settlements.
- Early expressions of art and religion.
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- Located in the Veracruz region, contemporary with the Olmecs.
- Famous for their ritual traditions and ceremonies.
- Known for decorative pottery and sculptures.
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The actual founder of the empire was Moctezuma I, who reigned until 1469. -
The fourth king, Itzcoatl, who governed from 1427 to 1440, made an alliance with other powers and conquered the Tepanecas. -
By 1376 the Mexicas had a real monarchy, descended, through Culhuacan, from the royal house of the Toltecs. -
In 1325 they moved to a small island which was part of an archipelago in Lake Texcoco and which would eventually become: the city of Tenochtitlan. -
In the 1276 the Mexicas settled in Chapultepec, where they remained for some time until they were defeated in a terrible battle and taken prisoners to Culhuacan. -
- Developed primarily in Monte Albán (Oaxaca).
- Known for monumental architecture and elaborate tombs.
- Created their own writing system and calendar.
- The Zapotec society was hierarchical and had a strong religious system.
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Polynesian Contact Theory: Arques that Polynesians may have reached South America around 1000-1,200 years ago, supported by genetic evidence and the presence of sweet potatoes in Polynesia. -
- The city of Teotihuacan was one of the largest urban centers in Mesoamerica.
- Known for its large pyramids, such as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
- Developed an extensive trade system and had significant cultural influence over other regions.
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- Height of major urban and architectural civilizations.
- Development of writing systems and complex social structures.
- Expansion of trade and cultural influence.
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- The city of Tula was their capital and an important cultural center.
- Known for their architecture and influence on the Mexica.
- Worshipped Quetzalcoatl and had a strong focus on militarism and warfare.
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- Spanned southeastern Mexico and parts of Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras).
- Known for their advanced knowledge in mathematics and astronomy.
- Developed independent city-states with a hieroglyphic writing system.
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- Founded the city of Tenochtitlan, which became the capital of their empire.
- Known for their tribute system and rich cultural and religious life.
- Their religion included human sacrifices, which were central to their worldview.
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- Significant political changes and migrations.
- Rise of military and trade cultures.
- Greater emphasis on religion and rituals.
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Conquers Tenochtitlán and is appointed governor of New Spain. Begins rebuilding the city as Mexico City. -
Organizes the colonial government, establishes encomiendas, and sends expeditions to new territories. -
Leads an expedition to Honduras to suppress rebellions, leaving New Spain under the rule of others. -
Faces accusations of abuse of power by his rivals. -
Is removed as governor by order of King Charles I and returns to Spain to defend himself. -
Lucy was found in Africa (1974), was a female about 20 years old. Lucy was alive 3 million years ago. She was about 4 feet tall and weighed about 50 pounds.