Illinois Adventure # 1308 "Cahokia Mounds"

Summary

Cahokia, once North America's largest city, was a thriving cultural and spiritual center of the Mississippian civilization. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, it reached a population of 20,000 by 1150 AD. Known for its impressive mounds, including the largest in the Western Hemisphere, Cahokia was a hub of trade and advanced agriculture. The city's complex social structure, spiritual beliefs, and astronomical knowledge were integral to its success. However, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and overpopulation contributed to its eventual decline around 1350 AD. Today, Cahokia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the legacy of this once-great civilization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cahokia was the largest city in North America by 1150 AD, with a population of around 20,000 people, surpassing London at the time.
• 😀 The city was located at the confluence of three rivers, providing food and transportation, and was a center of the Mississippian culture.
• 😀 Cahokia was home to 120 mounds, 80 of which remain today, with the largest being the central mound used by the chieftain for religious and administrative duties.
• 😀 The chieftain of Cahokia was considered the 'brother of the sun' and had both political and spiritual authority over the city.
• 😀 The city's success was driven by agricultural knowledge, particularly the cultivation of corn, which supported the growing population and trade.
• 😀 Trade items found in Cahokia included mica from the Smoky Mountains, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico, and copper from the north, which were used for decorative arts and jewelry.
• 😀 A solar calendar known as the 'American Wood Hinge' was discovered, aligning with the spring and fall equinoxes, and was used to determine planting and harvest times.
• 😀 Mound 72 revealed significant archaeological findings, including the burial of a possible chieftain and the remains of 300 people, including sacrificial victims.
• 😀 Cahokia was a planned city with connected pathways, neighborhoods, and public areas, and its layout reflected social hierarchies and religious practices.
• 😀 The city's decline around 1350 AD is attributed to several factors, including climate change, resource depletion, over-dependence on corn, and overcrowding, though the exact cause remains a mystery.

Q & A

What was the role of the Mississippi River in the development of Cahokia?

The Mississippi River provided essential resources such as food and transportation, facilitating the growth of Cahokia as a major cultural and economic center in the region.

What is the significance of the large mounds in Cahokia?

The mounds served various purposes, including as platforms for elite residences, religious sites, and visual markers of social hierarchy. They also contributed to the city’s unique urban structure.

How does Cahokia compare to other Mississippian settlements?

Cahokia was the largest and most influential Mississippian settlement, with an estimated population of 20,000 by 1150 AD, surpassing cities like London in size at the time.

Why was the chieftain of Cahokia known as the 'brother of the sun'?

The chieftain was considered both a political leader and a spiritual figure, symbolizing a connection to the sun, which played a crucial role in the religious and cultural practices of the people.

What made Cahokia's agricultural success notable?

Cahokia’s success was largely due to the Mississippian culture’s advanced techniques in cultivating corn in large fields, which supported a growing population and enabled complex societal developments.

What was discovered during excavations that showed the extent of trade in Cahokia?

Archaeologists discovered items such as mica from the Smoky Mountains, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico, and copper from the north, highlighting the city's extensive trade networks.

What was the role of the American Wood Hinge found at Cahokia?

The American Wood Hinge was a solar calendar used to track seasonal changes, including planting and harvest times. It also had ceremonial significance, aligning with the chieftain's mound during equinoxes.

What is the mystery behind the decline of Cahokia?

The decline of Cahokia is attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, over-reliance on corn, environmental degradation, and social tensions, though the exact cause remains unclear.

What was the significance of Mound 72 in Cahokia?

Mound 72 was a burial site where the remains of a possible chieftain and several retainers were found, along with the remains of sacrificed individuals, illustrating the elite's complex burial practices.

Why was Cahokia surrounded by a stockade during its peak?

The stockade was likely built as a protective measure, possibly in response to internal or external threats, such as social unrest, food scarcity, or potential attacks from neighboring groups.