Cahokia

Definition

Cahokia was a pre-Columbian Native American city located near modern-day St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its impressive earthwork mounds and advanced societal structures. It served as a major center for trade, political power, and culture in North America from approximately 600 AD to 1400 AD, showcasing sophisticated water management and agricultural practices that supported its large population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cahokia was home to an estimated population of up to 20,000 people at its peak, making it one of the largest urban centers in pre-Columbian North America.
2. The city is famous for its massive earthen mounds, such as Monks Mound, which served as platforms for important structures and reflected the city's social hierarchy.
3. Cahokia utilized an advanced system of agriculture that included crop rotation and the cultivation of maize, which was crucial for sustaining its large population.
4. Water management practices at Cahokia involved the construction of levees and canals to control flooding and ensure a reliable water supply for agriculture.
5. The decline of Cahokia around the 14th century is attributed to factors like environmental changes, resource depletion, and social unrest.

Review Questions

• How did Cahokia's water management strategies contribute to its growth as a major urban center?
  • Cahokia's water management strategies were essential for supporting its large population and agricultural practices. By building levees and canals, the inhabitants could control flooding and effectively distribute water to their fields. This careful manipulation of water resources allowed for more productive farming, which in turn supported a thriving community with increased trade and political power.
• Discuss the significance of agriculture and irrigation techniques used in Cahokia and how they influenced the Mississippian Culture.
  • Agriculture and irrigation techniques in Cahokia were crucial in shaping the Mississippian Culture. The use of sophisticated methods such as crop rotation and controlled watering systems enabled Cahokia to produce surplus crops, particularly maize. This agricultural abundance not only sustained a large population but also facilitated trade networks with neighboring communities, fostering cultural exchange and influencing social structures throughout the Mississippian region.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental factors on the rise and fall of Cahokia as a prominent urban center.
  • Environmental factors significantly impacted both the rise and fall of Cahokia. Initially, the fertile land along rivers allowed for successful agriculture, leading to rapid population growth and urbanization. However, over time, deforestation, soil depletion from intensive farming, and changes in climate created challenges for resource sustainability. These environmental stressors contributed to societal unrest and ultimately led to the decline of Cahokia as it struggled to support its once-thriving population.

Related terms

Mound Builders: A term used to describe various Native American cultures known for constructing earthen mounds for ceremonial, burial, and residential purposes.

Mississippian Culture: A complex Native American civilization that flourished in the southeastern United States, characterized by large agricultural societies and urban centers like Cahokia.

Irrigation:

The artificial application of water to soil or land to assist in the growing of crops, which played a crucial role in the agricultural success of ancient civilizations.