Cahokia: The Lost City of North America and Its Ancient Civilization
Cahokia, located near present-day St. Louis, was once the largest pre-Columbian city in North America. It covered an area of six square miles and had a population of 10,000-20,000 people at its peak in the 12th century. However, around the 14th century, it was abandoned by its inhabitants leaving behind impressive mounds and mysteries. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Cahokia, its significance to archaeology and what we can learn from this lost city. The History of Cahokia Cahokia was founded in the late 7th century by Native Americans who belonged to the Mississippian culture. Its location on the Mississippi River made it an ideal spot for trade and agriculture. Over time, Cahokia became a major center for politics and religion for surrounding tribes. The city’s most prominent feature is a large earthen mound called Monks Mound that stands at 100 feet tall with a base bigger than that of the Great Pyramid in Giza. This mound served as a platform for religious ceremoni...