Lecture 02 Introduction to Pre-Columbian Cultures, Prehistory of America
ARTH309G Latin American Art History

Travis Lee Clark
Utah Valley University

In this lecture we talk about the peopling of Americas and how it impacts our concept of cultural identity.  We also talk about the incredible innovation in agriculture in Archaic Mesoamerica, in particular Maize, and how these agricultural products shaped the culture and civilizations of the New World.  We wrap up with a brief overview of the two major zones of Pre-Columbian civilization, The Andean and Mesoamerica regions, and their chief cultural differences.  Also as a bonus I explain why Jared Diamond sucks.