2.1 Major cultural regions and civilizations in North America

North America's pre-Columbian landscape was a tapestry of diverse cultures and civilizations. From the Arctic tundra to the lush Southeast, indigenous peoples adapted to varied environments, developing unique ways of life and social structures.

Mesoamerica, stretching from central Mexico to Central America, saw the rise of complex societies like the Maya and Aztec. These civilizations made groundbreaking advances in math, astronomy, and agriculture, leaving behind awe-inspiring monuments and intricate artwork.

Geographic Regions

Arctic and Subarctic Regions

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• Arctic region encompasses northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland
• Characterized by tundra landscapes and long, harsh winters
• Indigenous peoples include Inuit, Yupik, and Aleut
• Subarctic region extends south of the Arctic, covering interior Alaska and much of Canada
• Boreal forests dominate the landscape
• Athabaskan-speaking peoples inhabit the Subarctic, including Dene and Gwich'in

Pacific Northwest and Plateau

• Northwest Coast stretches from southern Alaska to northern California along the Pacific
• Known for abundant marine resources and temperate rainforests
• Indigenous groups include Tlingit, Haida, and Coast Salish
• Plateau region lies east of the Cascade Mountains, encompassing parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
• Semi-arid climate with rivers and valleys
• Nez Perce and Yakama are among the notable Plateau cultures

Great Basin and California

• Great Basin covers most of Nevada and parts of Utah, covering a vast area of desert and mountains
• Characterized by internal drainage systems and diverse ecosystems
• Shoshone and Paiute peoples traditionally inhabited this region
• California region extends along the Pacific coast and inland valleys
• Diverse landscapes include coastal areas, mountains, and fertile valleys
• Home to numerous indigenous groups, such as Chumash, Ohlone, and Yurok

Southwest and Great Plains

• Southwest region includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah
• Arid climate with diverse terrain, including deserts, mesas, and canyons
• Ancestral Puebloans, Navajo, and Apache are among the prominent cultures
• Great Plains stretch from Texas to Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains
• Vast grasslands and prairies dominate the landscape
• Indigenous nations include Lakota, Cheyenne, and Comanche

Northeast and Southeast

• Northeast region encompasses New England and extends west to the Great Lakes
• Forested areas with numerous lakes and rivers
• Iroquois Confederacy and Algonquian-speaking peoples inhabited this area
• Southeast region covers the southeastern United States
• Humid subtropical climate with diverse ecosystems
• Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole are among the major indigenous cultures

Mesoamerica

Cultural and Geographic Overview

• Mesoamerica spans from central Mexico to northern Central America
• Diverse landscapes include tropical lowlands, highlands, and coastal regions
• Developed complex civilizations with advanced agricultural practices
• Notable for monumental architecture, intricate writing systems, and sophisticated calendars
• Major cultures include Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Zapotec

Technological and Cultural Achievements

• Invented the concept of zero in mathematics independently from other world cultures
• Developed accurate calendars based on astronomical observations
• Created complex irrigation systems and raised field agriculture (chinampas)
• Established extensive trade networks throughout the region
• Produced intricate artworks, including sculpture, pottery, and codices

Political and Social Structures

• Organized into city-states and empires with complex hierarchical societies
• Developed sophisticated legal systems and bureaucracies
• Practiced various forms of governance, from theocracies to military-based rule
• Engaged in ritualized warfare and human sacrifice as part of religious practices
• Maintained intricate mythologies and cosmologies that influenced daily life

Major Civilizations

Mississippian Culture

• Flourished in the Mississippi River Valley and southeastern United States from 800 CE to 1600 CE
• Developed complex chiefdoms with stratified societies
• Built large earthen mounds for ceremonial and residential purposes (Cahokia)
• Practiced intensive maize agriculture supplemented by hunting and gathering
• Created intricate artwork, including shell engravings and copper repoussé

Ancestral Puebloans

• Inhabited the Four Corners region of the American Southwest from around 100 BCE to 1300 CE
• Constructed elaborate cliff dwellings and multi-story stone structures (Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon)
• Developed sophisticated irrigation systems for agriculture in arid environments
• Produced distinctive black-on-white pottery and intricate basketry
• Established extensive trade networks throughout the region and beyond