I. Nubia
A. Geography
1. developed along the
Nile River south of Egypt
2. Nubia (“Land of the
Bow”): name of region
where the Kush and
Meroë Kingdoms
developed
3. often at war with Egypt
(starting in Middle
Kingdom)
4. shared many of the same
cultural traits as Egypt
(religion, architecture, art)
Nubian Pyramids
B. Economics
1. Extensively trade in iron &
gold
2. ivory, copper, incense,
animals, & ebony
A frankincense tree. The resin
was used to make good
smelling incense.
C. Nubian Society & Politics
1. mimicked Egypt extensively (ie: Egyptian gods)
2. conquered Egypt until Assyrians invaded
3. matrilineal & women played important role in
politics (Candace, title of a Queen of Nubia)
Cause of decline?
-overrun by nomadic camel traders?
-Roman control of Mediterranean?
-ENV collapse of iron mines?
II. Early Mesoamerica: The Olmec
Geography:
-hot and humid, with rivers, swamps, jungles; heavy rainfall
Mesoamerica: area between central Mexico & Honduras
A. Olmec Society:
-“mother culture” of Mesoamerica (1500 B.C.E.-200 C.E.)
-ruled by wealthy families, instead of kings (theocracy)
-cities site of religious ceremonies (bloodletting…)
B. Olmec Politics:
-called “Cult of the Jaguar”
-city-led government
-military used to protect trade
-dirt & clay pyramids
-colossal heads
C. Olmec Economy:
-mostly corn, beans, & squash farmers
Highlands: obsidian, jade, cacao (drink for nobility)
Lowlands: sea food, turtle shells, shark teeth
III. Early South America: The Chavín
• “Mother culture” in Peru (900 B.C.E. to 250 B.C.E.)
• Andes mountains (10,000 ft.); capital Chavín de Huántar
A. Chavin Economy & Society:
1. farming: maize, potatoes, llamas, coca leaves
2. roads, bridges, irrigation/drainage
B. Chavin Society:
1. Chavin de Huantar:
religious center w/
pyramids, plazas, &
massive mounds
2. Chavín culture spread
over coastal Peru