Cahokia

A special Earth Day edition of Man Made.

I thought for earth day it would be nice to remember that men used to build great cities in a more natural way. So today we are featuring Monk’s Mound, which is the centerpiece of Cahokia. It also happens to be the largest pyramid on the western hemisphere.

Here is some background on Cahokia.

Cahokia is a significant archaeological site located in the present-day state of Illinois, near the city of St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. It was the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico and thrived as a major cultural and economic center for several centuries. Here’s a discussion of Cahokia covering its history, culture, significance, and decline:

History:

• Cahokia was inhabited by a Native American civilization known as the Mississippian culture, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries CE.
• The settlement was established around 600 CE and reached its peak population and influence between 1050 and 1200 CE.
• At its height, Cahokia covered about 6 square miles (16 square kilometers) and had a population estimated at 10,000 to 20,000 people.
• The city’s layout was carefully planned, featuring a central plaza surrounded by mounds, residential areas, and ceremonial structures.

Culture:

• The Mississippian culture practiced agriculture, with maize (corn) being a staple crop, supplemented by beans, squash, and other cultivated plants.
• Cahokia’s society was hierarchical, with evidence suggesting the presence of a ruling elite and a stratified social structure.
• The settlement was a hub of trade and interaction, with goods such as copper, shells, pottery, and other items exchanged over long distances.
• Religion and spirituality played a central role in Cahokian society, as evidenced by the numerous earthen mounds, some of which served as platforms for temples or ceremonial structures.

Significance:

• Cahokia’s significance lies in its status as one of the most advanced and complex societies in pre-Columbian North America.
• The site provides valuable insights into the organization, architecture, and cultural practices of the Mississippian civilization.
• Cahokia’s extensive trade networks and cultural influence extended across the Midwest and southeastern United States, shaping regional interactions and exchange.
• The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global importance as a cultural and historical treasure.

Decline:

• The decline of Cahokia began around the 13th century, marked by a gradual depopulation and abandonment of the site.
• The exact reasons for Cahokia’s decline are still debated among archaeologists and historians, with factors such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, social upheaval, and external pressures from neighboring groups all proposed as possible causes.
• By the time European explorers reached the region in the 17th century, Cahokia had been largely abandoned, and its once-thriving civilization had faded into history.

Contrasting Cahokia with Modern St Louis.

On my most recent visit to Cahokia, the weather was beautiful and I got a good shot of the city from Monks Mound which is roughly 9 miles away. It is neat to stand on top of the great pyramid of Cahokia and see between two cultures.