Hello, I am professor Fosset and I would like welcome all of you to this lecture on the origins of the Iroquois civilization. Assisting me in this endeavor will be Frank, the university's tech expert. so without further ado, let us begin.
The first of the Iroquois people were united by a man we know only as "Hiawatha". The only evidence we have for his existence is a note written to him upon his apparent election to chief. Frank, can we, uh...
Thank you. The oldest current settlement we've currently excavated is near a small inlet on the coast. Records from that time call the settlement "Onondaga"
Artists depiction of Onondaga and the immediate area 
Satellite view of the areaAs you can see on our annotated map this was a fairly nice place to establish a permanent settlement. It's location in a small valley ensured that defenders would have the high ground in a fight, and it's proximity to water enabled them to fish for food.
Located around 50 miles from the site, we found another set of ruins. we believe these to be from another civilization that had attempted to colonize the area known as the "Babylonians". Amongst the ruins, the Iroquois found several weapons that they describe as "sticks with a strange brown material at the end, capable of piercing the toughest animal hide". These were undoubtedly the first bronze spears to be used in combat on the continent.
These new weapons soon found a use, as the records tell us that they made contact with another group of people near a small bay a few miles north of the Babylonian site. First contact was violent, and the diplomatic group sent to meet with them was attacked. The Iroquois used their new-found weapons to great effect, wiping out this group of people. Other indigenous tribes would prove to be a hassle for many years, keeping the Iroquois' small military busy.
It is also during this time frame that the first clay pots begin to make their appearance.
Painted one one of the pot is a map of the surrounding terrain:
Following these early- I'm sorry....I'm being told that it's time for the first break of the day. We'll resume this lecture after lunch around 1:00. I encourage you to take a copy of the lecture notes on your way out if you won't be able to return. so until then, fare thee well!
