Cahokia

Definition

Cahokia was a major pre-Columbian Native American city located near modern-day St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for being one of the largest urban centers in North America before European contact. It flourished between 600 and 1400 CE, showcasing complex societies, advanced agriculture, and impressive earthwork mounds, which highlight the sophistication of its inhabitants during the era of populating and settling the Americas and the age of empires in the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. At its peak around 1100 CE, Cahokia is estimated to have had a population of around 20,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
2. The city is famous for its large earthen mounds, with Monk's Mound being the largest and most significant, reaching a height of about 100 feet.
3. Cahokia served as a major trade hub, connecting various tribes and cultures through an extensive network that facilitated the exchange of goods like shells, copper, and textiles.
4. The decline of Cahokia began around 1300 CE due to factors such as environmental changes, resource depletion, and social upheaval, leading to its eventual abandonment by the late 1400s.
5. Cahokia's societal structure was complex, with evidence of stratification among its inhabitants based on social class and occupation, highlighting a well-organized political system.

Review Questions

• What were the key features of Cahokia that demonstrate its significance as a pre-Columbian urban center?
  • Cahokia's significance as a pre-Columbian urban center is highlighted by its impressive population size of around 20,000 at its peak, extensive earthwork mounds like Monk's Mound, and its role as a trade hub. The complex societal structures indicate advanced governance and social organization among its inhabitants. Additionally, the city’s strategic location along trade routes underscores its importance in connecting diverse Native American cultures.
• In what ways did Cahokia influence trade networks among Native American cultures in the region?
  • Cahokia influenced trade networks among Native American cultures by acting as a central hub where various tribes exchanged goods such as shells, copper, and textiles. Its strategic location along major rivers allowed for efficient transportation of goods over long distances. The city's wealth and resources attracted traders from afar, leading to economic growth and cultural exchange that shaped regional dynamics during this period.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the decline of Cahokia and how it reflects broader trends in pre-Columbian North America.
  • The decline of Cahokia reflects broader trends in pre-Columbian North America related to environmental changes, resource depletion, and social upheaval. As agriculture intensified and populations grew, strains on natural resources likely led to food shortages and conflicts among residents. These challenges were not isolated to Cahokia but echoed across many Native American societies facing similar pressures during this period. Ultimately, Cahokia's abandonment illustrates how interconnected factors can influence the rise and fall of complex civilizations.

Related terms

Mississippian Culture: A mound-building Native American culture that developed in the Mississippi River Valley, known for its large, complex societies and agricultural practices.

Mound Builders:

Various Native American cultures in North America known for constructing large earthen mounds for ceremonial, burial, and political purposes.

Trade Networks: Systems of trade routes established by ancient civilizations, including Cahokia, that facilitated economic and cultural exchanges across vast distances.