Mississippian Culture: Forgotten Cities of North America

The Mississippian culture, a sophisticated and influential civilization, thrived in the southeastern United States from approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE. This culture, named after the Mississippi River, was centered around the river valleys and floodplains of the American Midwest, particularly in areas that are now parts of modern-day Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi. It is best known for its massive earthworks, especially mounds, which were used for both ceremonial and burial purposes. The Mississippian people developed a complex society that was marked by large-scale agriculture, intricate trade networks, and powerful political and religious institutions.

The origins of the Mississippian culture can be traced back to the earlier Woodland period, during which smaller villages and simple mound-building practices began to emerge. By around 800 CE, however, the Mississippian culture had fully developed, distinguished by its highly organized cities, monumental architecture, and wide-reaching trade connections. The Mississippians were expert farmers, cultivating staple crops such as maize, beans, and squash, which allowed their settlements to flourish and grow in both size and complexity.

One of the most notable features of the Mississippian culture was its social and political structure. The culture was organized around large chiefdoms, with powerful leaders who held both political and religious authority. These chiefs often resided in large, fortified towns that served as hubs of trade, governance, and religious activity. The largest and most famous of these urban centers was Cahokia, located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri. At its height, Cahokia had a population of over 10,000 people, making it one of the largest urban centers in pre-Columbian North America.