Lecture Notes: The Mississippian Culture and Cahokia
Introduction to Cahokia
- Location: Confluence of three rivers in the Mississippi River Valley.
- Historical Significance: Once the largest city in North America.
- Population: Estimated at 20,000 by 1150 A.D., larger than London at the time.
- Known as the "City of the Sun" and pinnacle of Mississippian culture.
City Structure
- Suburbs, Plazas, Markets: Well-developed urban structure.
- Housing: Predominantly small thatched huts in family neighborhoods.
- Mounds: 120 mounds, 80 remain today. Used as platforms for elite homes and city structures.
- Monks Mound: Largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Western Hemisphere, covers over 14 acres, rises 100 feet high.
Social and Political Structure
- Chiefdom: Ruled by a chieftain who was both political and spiritual leader.
- Elite Class: Utilized labor of commoners for construction and sustenance.
Agriculture and Economy
- Staple Crop: Corn was the main agricultural product, supporting large population growth.
- Trade: Extensive trade network; goods included mica, seashells, and copper for art and jewelry.
Archaeological Discoveries
- American Woodhenge: Solar calendar with 48 cedar poles for tracking seasons.
- Ridgetop Mounds: Burial sites for elites; includes Mound 72 with significant finds such as shell bead layers and sacrificial remains.
Daily Life and Infrastructure
- Family Life: Importance of family units, generational clustering.
- Facilities: Sweat lodges, granaries with protective coatings.
Decline of Cahokia
- Abandonment: By 1300 A.D., site was deserted.
- Possible Causes:
- Climate change reducing growing seasons.
- Nutrition issues from corn dependency.
- Deforestation and environmental degradation.
- Overpopulation and waste management challenges.
Cultural Legacy
- World Heritage Site: Recognized by the United Nations.
- Preservation: Paths and mounds maintained for educational and tourism purposes.
Further Information
- Contact: Cahokia Interpretive Center at 618-346-5160 for more resources and details.
These notes summarize the key points from a presentation on Cahokia and the Mississippian culture, capturing its historical significance, social structures, and the mystery of its decline.