Pre-colombian history 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pre-colombian history 2 - Essay Example n removed to honor various Gods, humans might have their blood spilled in order to represent the need for rain, or even simply as a means of satisfying their dietary needs in the form of ritualistic cannibalism. Dancing and chanting, as well as a sacrificial priest, were common elements of the ritual sacrifice. In most instances, the ritual sacrifice was performed so as to induce awe-inspiring religious experiences (Marcus & Flannery, 2004). Pequots were Native Americans living in the Northeastern United States (rumored to be what is now Connecticut) during the middle ages (approx. 1500-1700). Not a great deal is known about the specific beliefs held by the Pequot nation, however they were virtually eliminated by early-American settlers (Pilgrims) and other various international colonists. The Pequots appear to have had a strong influence in the socio-political affairs of the Northeastern region during the time of the early settlers, however they were perceived to be a significant threat to the stability of the settlers’ beliefs and lifestyles, thus the majority of them were massacred in the Pequot War which raged from 1636-1638. It seems that the Pequot were made the scapegoat for several instances in which early-American settlers were killed by unknown circumstances, perhaps as a justification for their removal from the colonial settlements. This represents an instance of disease which is contagious to those who are not native residents of a foreign territory (Jackson, 2003). A series of plagues caused a significant drop in the number of Native Americans in the early colonial regions (East Coast Region) in the United States which was caused by the passing of disease from the settlers to the native populations. For instance, a Dutch settler would have certain immunities to diseases which existed in European nations, however upon the Dutch arrival to the Americas, the Native or Aboriginal population had no previous exposure to these diseases historically, thus