Chapin LibGuides: Class 8: Ancient American Civilizations: introduction and reference sources

Welcome to the Class 8 research guide on ancient American civilizations!

For this research assignment, you will answer the following question:
Why was [topic] important to the [chosen civilization]?

Remember, you need a minimum of 4 sources for your paper:

• 1 reference source
• 1 secondary source (which must be a book (print or ebook))
• 1 primary source (this might be an artifact, a work of art, or written text)
• 1 “wild card” source of your choice (any of the above)

Below are some reference sources to help you begin your research, get some background information on your chosen civilization, and narrow down your broad topic.

Image: "Monte Albán Ruins." In World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras, ABC-CLIO, 2022.

Don't know your library number? Send an email to Ms. Oldham!
Need help finding OR figuring out a source? Send an email to Ms. Oldham!
Confused about citations? Send an email to Ms. Oldham!

reference databases

Ancient and Medieval History Online This link opens in a new window
This database presents reference articles on the full scope of world history from prehistory through the 1500s, with special topic centers on key civilizations and regions.

Britannica Academic (NOVEL) This link opens in a new window
Overview articles from one of the oldest and most trusted reference sources in the world.

NOTE: access to this database is provided to the Chapin community through NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library). It is accessible to New Yorkers through geoIP authentication (also referred to as geolocation), meaning you must be within the state of New York to use it.

World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras (ABC-CLIO) This link opens in a new window
This database explores ancient civilizations, dynasties, and empires and profiles city-states, countries, and regions of the ancient and medieval world, encompassing intellectual developments, wars and cooperation, religion, cultural practices, and more.

reference ebooks

Early Civilizations in the Americas by Jacqueline Adams; Sonia G. Benson
Call Number: eBook
Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture by Jay Kinsbruner (Editor)
Call Number: eBook
Ancient Civilizations Reference Library Series by UXL Staff
Call Number: eBook

cite with noodletools

Citations are vital to the research process.

Use NoodleTools to create and track citations, take notes, save time, increase your credibility, and ensure your academic integrity.