Ancient Civilizations of North America

Overview

Join the Director of the Maya Exploration Center to discover the astounding accomplishments of the ancient North Americans and their significant legacy. This course offers a fascinating examination of North America’s early cultures and their innovations.

Course Details

For centuries, the history of native cultures in North America has often been narrated through the lens of colonization. This course seeks to uncover the compelling true stories of these civilizations through modern archaeology and fresh historical perspectives. With 24 lectures by Professor Edwin Barnhart, you’ll learn about:

• The impressive achievements of various ancient cultures.
• The societal structures and innovations that defined their lives.
• Key sites and historical figures who influenced the development of these civilizations.

Video Lessons

1. The Unknown Story of Ancient North America (34 min)

• Introduction to the achievements of ancient North American cultures.

1. The First Human Migrations to the Americas (36 min)

• Explore the origins of the first inhabitants of North America.

1. Clovis Man: America’s First Culture (38 min)

• Delve into the Clovis culture and its significance to the continent.

1. The Archaic Period: Diversity Begins (36 min)

• Understand how cultures diversified after the megafauna extinction.

1. Late Archaic Innovations (32 min)

• Examine the advancements made in agricultural practices and cultural expressions.

1. Poverty Point: North America’s First City (30 min)

• Discover the history of Poverty Point, a remarkable urban center.

1. Medicine Wheels of the Great Plains (28 min)

• Investigate the purpose and significance of medicine wheels.

1. Adena Culture and the Early Woodlands Period (27 min)

• Learn about the Adena culture’s contributions and burial practices.

1. The Hopewell and Their Massive Earthworks (33 min)

• Examine the impressive earthworks and trade networks of the Hopewell culture.

1. The Origins of Mississippian Culture (31 min)

• Trace the development of the Mississippian culture from earlier traditions.

1. The Mississippian City of Cahokia (31 min)

• Explore the largest ancient city in North America and its societal structure.

1. The Wider Mississippian World (33 min)

• Understand the interconnectedness of Mississippian cultures across North America.

1. De Soto versus the Mississippians (32 min)

• Follow De Soto’s expedition and its impact on indigenous populations.

1. The Ancient Southwest: Discovering Diversity (28 min)

• Explore the diverse cultures that thrived in the Southwestern deserts.

1. The Basketmaker Culture (25 min)

• Learn about the early sedentary cultures and their innovations.

1. The Mogollon Culture (27 min)

• Discover the unique features of the Mogollon people and their lifestyle.

1. The Hohokam: Masters of the Desert (28 min)

• Examine the advances in irrigation and social organization of the Hohokam.

1. The Ancestral Pueblo (28 min)

• Learn about the architecture and cultural significance of the Ancestral Pueblo.

1. The Chaco Phenomenon (30 min)

• Investigate the monumental achievements of the Chaco Canyon society.

1. An Urbanizing World (32 min)

• Assess the connections between urbanization and economic growth in ancient cultures.

1. The Iroquois and Algonquians before Contact (37 min)

• Analyze the social structures of these significant northeastern tribes.

1. The Iroquois Confederacy (30 min)

• Explore the political organization and influence of the Iroquois on American democracy.

1. Conclusion: Impacts of Ancient Civilizations (30 min)

• Reflect on the legacy and contributions of ancient North American cultures.

1. The Lessons of the Past for the Future (32 min)

• Discuss how these histories shape our understanding of cultural identity today.