The Archaic Period refers to a time in ancient history, particularly in North America, that lasted from around 8000 BCE to 1000 BCE. During this era, people transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to more settled communities. They began to develop early forms of agriculture, cultivating crops like maize and beans, which allowed for larger populations and the establishment of villages. In addition to farming, the Archaic Period saw advancements in tools and technology. People created more specialized tools made from stone, bone, and wood, which improved their ability to hunt and gather. This period laid the groundwork for the later development of complex societies, such as those seen in the Mississippian culture and Ancestral Puebloans.