Native American Societies Before European Contact

Overview

• Understanding of Native American societies prior to European contact.
• Focus on the city of Cahokia and Mississippian culture.

Key Topics

Cahokia

• Location: Near modern-day St. Louis.
• Population: At its peak around 1100 CE, Cahokia had approximately 20,000 residents.
• Recognition: Depicted through an artist's conception as a thriving city.

Mississippian People

• Known for living in settled villages and farming.
• Their agricultural practices supported large population growth.

Historical Conclusions

• Settled Lifestyle:
  • Historians conclude that the Mississippian people were settled and engaged in farming due to the evidence of Cahokia.
  • This supports the idea of a complex society with the capacity for growth.
• Rejection of Other Lifestyles:
  • Contrary to choices suggesting lack of sophistication, preference for fishing, or nomadic lifestyles, the Mississippian people were advanced in agriculture and settlement.

Additional Resources

• Khan Academy offers various resources on Native American cultures, pre-contact histories, and societal studies.

Note: This summary is based on practice material from Khan Academy and focuses on educational resources on Native American societies before European contact.