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The Anasazi: Hunting and Gathering Tribes

Related Article: Learn more about the history of Native Americans.

The first tribes in the American Southwest were hunting families. These communities turned to gathering about 12,000 years ago, when decreased rainfall caused game to become scarce.

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Anasazi: Kivas (2:01)

Architectural structures called kivas were likely used as religious gathering places.

Anasazi: Pottery (1:09)

Spiritual symbols on broken pottery lead to theories about their use in religious rituals.

Anasazi: Petroglyphs (2:13)

Symbols carved on rock walls reveal clues about the Anasazis' spirituality.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Native Americans (1:42)

Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the country. They built villages along waterways because it was easier to travel along them than across the land.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Indian Removal (0:41)

The forced removal of Indians east of the Mississippi to the Oklahoma Territory became known as the Trail of Tears.

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America's First Nations: Long Houses (3:14)

The heart of Iroquois life centered around the long house. Learn about the vital role these structures played in the communities and society of the Iroquois with this clip from Discovery Channel's "America's First Nations" series.

Discover Magazine: Calendar Precision (2:22)

Architectural evidence of the Anasazi or Pueblos suggest that shadow casting may have been the method used for solar alignment, allowing for warmth during the winter and coolness during the summer. Learn more on Discovery Channel's "Discover... More »

Discover Magazine: Anasazi Sun Cycle (1:18)

Astronomer Ray Williamson explains the significance of the Anasazi calendar room. Learn more about this room on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."

Discover Magazine: Pueblo Benito (1:43)

In the Chaco Canyon, Pueblo Benito is revealed. It is one of the most impressive towns constructed around 1000 AD. Learn more about Pueblo Benito on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."

Assignment Discovery: Sky Watchers (2:58)

On Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery," learn about the Anasazi people and the city they once inhabited. Also, meet some members of the Sun Clan.

Assignment Discovery: Shadow Casting (1:29)

Learn how the Anasazi used shadow casting to tell time on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Assignment Discovery: Anasazi Shadow Casting (2:13)

The Anasazi probably used shadow casting with a stick in order to determine the true north. Learn more about the Anasazi on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Assignment Discovery: The Anasazi (2:54)

On Discovery Channel's series,"Assignment Discovery," learn about the Anasazi of Chaco Canyon. Ruins in Chaco Canyon show evidence of their skills as artists, architects, builders and astronomers.

Assignment Discovery: Kennewick Man (3:02)

Kennewick Man is one of the oldest skulls ever found. However, the government has confiscated the skeleton. Learn why he was confiscated on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Assignment Discovery: Chaco Canyon Ruins (3:00)

The ruins at Chaco Canyon are regarded as sacred by modern Native Americans. Learn more about the ruins on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."