Ancient Civilizations In Latin America

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Ancient Civilizations in Latin America As humans, part of our nature is to wonder where we came from and how it all began. We understand our existence and connect with our culture by feeling our roots. In unit one, an exploration of the ancient people of Latin America, dating as far back as 1400 BC, revealed that though the time was considered primitive the people were quite advanced in their thinking and abilities. Though extinct long ago, these ancient civilizations are known to us today because they were capable of recording their existence. What they left behind has made it possible to re-create their existence and learn from it. Ancient Latin Americans, also known as Mesoamericans, can be sub-divided into tribes known as the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Inca, and the Maya, just to name a few. It is clear that these people lived within organized communities and were adapted for survival within their environment. Hunters were designated to take down large game to feed their people and tools were crafted for this purpose. In addition to hunting, the tribes farmed for food. Farmers had to use fire to burn away the thick brush in order make the ground farmable. Interestingly, this technique is still used for farming in this region today. War was both valued and respected and warriors were revered and worshipped as the protectors of the tribe. Neighboring tribes were always at war, they sought to gain power over one another and to consume the others resources. Many villages and artifacts were destroyed by war. Political and religious systems were established to serve the communities. A hierarchy was established and a ruler was chosen to lead the people. These people were dedicated to their ruler and to their God. The sun was credited as the giver of life and therefore, was worshipped as a God. The elements discussed here make up the life force of these

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