Cahokia

Definition

Cahokia was a pre-Columbian Native American city located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, that thrived between 600 and 1400 CE. It was the largest urban center of its time in North America, featuring impressive earthen mounds and a complex societal structure, showcasing the advanced material culture and technologies of Native American societies during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cahokia covered approximately 6 square miles at its peak and had a population of up to 20,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
2. The city is best known for its massive earthworks, including Monks Mound, which is the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas and served as a ceremonial center.
3. Cahokians practiced advanced agricultural techniques, such as the cultivation of maize (corn), which allowed them to sustain a large population and support urban life.
4. The social structure of Cahokia was complex, with a hierarchy that included elite leaders, priests, and craftsmen, reflecting the diverse roles within their society.
5. Trade networks extended from Cahokia to distant regions across North America, facilitating the exchange of goods like obsidian, copper, and seashells, indicating sophisticated material culture.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning and architecture of Cahokia reflect the material culture of Native American societies?
  • The urban planning of Cahokia was marked by its monumental architecture, including large earthen mounds and organized residential areas that demonstrated a high level of social organization and engineering skills. The construction of Monks Mound as a central ceremonial site highlighted the importance of religious practices in daily life. The design of Cahokia's layout indicated a sophisticated understanding of spatial relationships and community needs, showcasing the advanced material culture that characterized this significant Native American society.
• Discuss the role of agriculture in sustaining Cahokia's large population and how it influenced its social structure.
  • Agriculture played a vital role in supporting Cahokia's large population by providing a stable food supply through the cultivation of crops like maize. This agricultural abundance enabled specialization within the community, as not everyone was required to engage in food production. As a result, a social hierarchy emerged with elites who controlled resources and organized labor for construction projects and trade. The reliance on agriculture thus shaped both the economic foundation and social stratification within Cahokia.
• Evaluate the significance of trade networks in Cahokia's development and how they contributed to its cultural exchange with other regions.
  • Trade networks were crucial for Cahokia's development as they facilitated economic prosperity and cultural exchange with various regions across North America. By connecting with distant communities, Cahokians accessed diverse materials such as obsidian from the Rocky Mountains and shells from coastal areas. This interaction not only enriched Cahokia's material culture but also fostered new ideas and practices that influenced local customs. The integration of these external resources played a significant role in establishing Cahokia as a major cultural hub in prehistoric North America.

Related terms

Mound Builders: The indigenous cultures of North America that constructed various earthen mounds for ceremonial, religious, and burial purposes, including the Mississippian culture to which Cahokia belonged.

Mississippian Culture: A pre-Columbian culture known for its large, complex societies, agricultural practices, and mound-building traditions, predominant in the southeastern United States from around 800 to 1600 CE.

Urbanism: The study and development of cities and towns; in the context of Cahokia, it refers to the societal organization, architecture, and community planning that enabled the city's growth and function.