cahokia-ancestor阅读

cahokia-ancestor阅读

Cahokia, also known as the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, is

an ancient Native American city located near present-day

Collinsville, Illinois. The site was inhabited from around 600 to

1400 AD, and at its peak, it was one of the largest and most

influential urban settlements in North America.

Cahokia was home to the Mississippian culture, a Native American

civilization that flourished in the Mississippi River Valley and its

tributaries. The city covered approximately six square miles and

contained over 120 earthen mounds, some of which reached

heights of up to 100 feet. These mounds served various purposes,

including religious ceremonies, burial sites, and platforms for

important structures.

The exact reason for Cahokia's rise and decline is still debated

among scholars. The city's population likely reached its peak

between 1050 and 1200 AD, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to

20,000 inhabitants. Cahokia's central location and strategic

position along the Mississippi River likely contributed to its

growth and prosperity as a regional center for trade, politics, and

religious ceremonies.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Cahokia had a complex

social and political structure. The ruling elite, believed to be

religious and political leaders, resided in the central portion of the

city known as "Monks Mound." This mound, the largest at

Cahokia, contained a large building, likely a temple or palace, and

was surrounded by a wooden stockade.

Aside from the mounds, Cahokia was also known for its

sophisticated agricultural practices. The inhabitants developed a

system of raised fields and canals to manage floods and improve

crop production. Corn, beans, and squash were the main staples of

their diet, supplemented by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild

plants.

The decline of Cahokia began around the 13th century, with the

city gradually abandoned and its once-thriving civilization

dispersing into smaller communities. The reasons for this decline

are not entirely clear, but possibilities include environmental

changes, political instability, disease, warfare, and resource

depletion.

Today, Cahokia Mounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a

popular tourist destination. The site offers visitors the opportunity

to explore the ancient mounds, visit a museum, and learn about the

history and culture of the Mississippian people. It serves as a

reminder of the impressive achievements of the Cahokia

civilization and its significant impact on the pre-Columbian history

of North America.