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Cahokia: Ancient America's Great City on the Mississippi (Penguin Library of American Indian History)

by Timothy R. Pauketat

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	208 pages

Cahokia, located in present-day Illinois, was the largest pre-Columbian city in North America. It flourished for centuries before its mysterious decline around 1400 AD.

Cahokia was a major center of trade and culture. It had a population of over 20,000 people and covered an area of over 2,000 acres. The city was home to dozens of large earthen mounds, including the iconic Monk's Mound, which is the largest pre-Columbian earthen structure in the Americas.

Cahokia's decline is still a mystery. Some archaeologists believe that it was due to environmental factors, such as a change in climate or a major drought. Others believe that it was due to political or social factors, such as a war or a rebellion.

The Rise of Cahokia

Cahokia was founded around 1050 AD by a group of Mississippian Indians. The Mississippian culture was a complex society that flourished in the American Midwest and Southeast from around 800 to 1600 AD.

Cahokia quickly became a major center of trade and culture. It was located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, which gave it access to a wide network of waterways. Cahokia also had a rich natural environment, with abundant forests and fertile soil.

By the 12th century, Cahokia was a major city. It had a population of over 20,000 people and covered an area of over 2,000 acres. The city was home to dozens of large earthen mounds, including Monk's Mound, which is the largest pre-Columbian earthen structure in the Americas.

The Decline of Cahokia

Cahokia's decline began around 1400 AD. The city was abandoned by its inhabitants, and the mounds were left to decay. The reasons for Cahokia's decline are still a mystery.

Some archaeologists believe that it was due to environmental factors, such as a change in climate or a major drought. Others believe that it was due to political or social factors, such as a war or a rebellion.

Whatever the cause, Cahokia's decline was a major event in the history of North America. It marked the end of the Mississippian culture and the beginning of a new era.

Exploring Cahokia Today

Cahokia is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the mounds and learn about the history of the city.

Cahokia is a reminder of the rich history of North America. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Mississippian Indians.

Cahokia was a great city that flourished for centuries before its mysterious decline. It is a reminder of the rich history of North America and a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Mississippian Indians.

Cahokia: Ancient America's Great City on the Mississippi (Penguin Library of American Indian History)

by Timothy R. Pauketat

4.5 out of 5