Pre-Columbian Americas and Sub-Saharan African Civilizations

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the early migration and major regional cultures of the Pre-Columbian Americas, as well as the geography and primary empires of Sub-Saharan Africa based on the lecture transcript.

Beringia

The land bridge from Asia to Alaska that the first humans crossed to reach the Americas about $18,000$ years ago.

Clovis Culture

A nomadic hunting culture known for high-quality stone spear points and tools that followed animal herds and disappeared about $13,000$ years ago.

Neolithic Revolution (Americas)

The historical transition in the Americas from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settled life.

Pacific Northwest Cultures

Regional groups that relied on salmon fishing, caribou hunting, and the use of dugout canoes.

Great Plains Cultures

Regional groups whose primary food source was bison.

Eastern Woodlands Cultures

Peoples known for building earthen mounds used as cemeteries and status symbols.

Maize

Also known as corn, this was the most important crop in Mesoamerica.

Andean Region Agriculture

A region where potatoes, squash, and quinoa were grown, and where llamas and alpacas were domesticated.

Olmec

Known as the 'Rubber People' and the 'Mother Culture,' they influenced later Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztec.

Giant Stone Heads

The most famous archaeological feature left behind by the Olmec civilization.

Maya Political Structure

A system organized as independent city-states each governed by its own ruler.

Slash-and-burn Agriculture

The specific farming method utilized by the Maya civilization.

Divine Lords

The title held by the rulers of the Maya civilization.

Maya Tribute

Payments collected by rulers from surrounding peoples, consisting of crops, salt, textiles, and artwork.

Maya Intellectual Advancements

The development of a complex writing system and a specialized calendar.

9th Century Maya Collapse

A period during the $9^{th}$ century when alliances broke down, conflict increased, and many Maya cities were depopulated.

Sahara

The vast desert geographical feature that divides North Africa from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sahel

The transition zone located between the Sahara Desert and the savanna.

Bantu Migrations

The movement of people across Sub-Saharan Africa who successfully spread farming, animal husbandry, and ironworking.

Ghana Empire

A West African kingdom founded by the Soninke people that became wealthy through the gold and salt trade.

Koumbi Saleh

The capital city of the Ghana Empire.

Mali Empire

A West African empire founded by Sundiata Keita in $1235$.

Mansa Musa

The most famous ruler of Mali, celebrated for his immense wealth and his pilgrimage to Mecca.

Timbuktu

A city in the Mali Empire that developed into a major international center of learning.

Mapungubwe

Recognized as the first southern African state.

Great Zimbabwe

A state founded by the Shona people, famous for massive stone architecture and trade in gold, copper, and ivory.