Pre-Columbian Civilizations and Related Concepts

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Pre-Columbian Civilizations

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Any civilization in the Americas that occurred before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

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Nomads

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People who wander from place to place in search of food.

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Specialization

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The development of skills in a particular kind of work, such as trading, building, pottery, etc. This usually happened in a society because of a surplus of food.

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Agriculture

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The raising of crops and animals for human use, farming.

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Surplus

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A quantity much larger than is needed.

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Social Class

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A grouping of people based on rank or status.

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Mesoamerica

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"Middle America" the region extending from modern-day Mexico through Central America.

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Olmecs

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The first civilization to appear in Mexico.

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Mass Migration

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Movement of a large number of people.

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Theory

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Best guess (hypothesis) using scientific clues.