Mississippian culture

Definition

The Mississippian culture was a complex pre-Columbian Native American civilization that flourished in the southeastern United States from approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE, known for its large earthen mounds, agricultural advancements, and centralized political systems. This culture is characterized by its development of large urban centers like Cahokia, extensive trade networks, and social stratification, reflecting a significant advancement in social organization and economy in the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mississippian culture reached its height between 1000 CE and 1300 CE, with Cahokia as its largest city, housing possibly up to 20,000 residents at its peak.
2. The society was matrilineal, meaning lineage was traced through the mother’s side, affecting property ownership and inheritance.
3. Trade networks extended across vast distances, with goods like shells from the Gulf Coast and copper from the Great Lakes region facilitating economic connections.
4. Mississippian mounds served various purposes: some were used for religious ceremonies while others acted as platforms for important structures like temples or elite residences.
5. Decline began around 1400 CE due to factors such as environmental changes, resource depletion, warfare, and European contact that introduced new diseases.

Review Questions

• How did the Mississippian culture's agricultural practices contribute to its societal structure and urban development?
  • The Mississippian culture's agricultural practices allowed for the cultivation of staple crops like maize, which supported larger populations and facilitated urban development. This agricultural surplus enabled people to settle in one place and led to the growth of complex societies with specialized roles. As a result, urban centers like Cahokia emerged, showcasing advanced political organization and social stratification.
• Discuss the significance of trade networks within the Mississippian culture and how they influenced interactions with neighboring cultures.
  • Trade networks were crucial for the Mississippian culture as they connected them with distant regions, allowing for the exchange of goods like pottery, shells, and metals. This interaction fostered relationships with neighboring cultures and facilitated cultural exchange. The extensive trade routes not only enhanced economic prosperity but also contributed to the sharing of ideas and technology among different Native American groups.
• Evaluate the factors that led to the decline of the Mississippian culture around 1400 CE and how these changes affected regional dynamics in North America.
  • The decline of the Mississippian culture around 1400 CE can be attributed to several factors including environmental changes that affected agriculture, resource depletion due to intensive farming practices, and increased warfare among competing groups. Additionally, early European contact introduced new diseases that decimated populations. These changes disrupted the established societal order, leading to migrations and shifts in power dynamics among indigenous groups in North America as communities sought new resources or territories.

Related terms

Cahokia: Cahokia was the largest and most influential urban settlement of the Mississippian culture, located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, known for its massive earthen mounds and sophisticated society.

Mound Builders: Mound Builders refer to various groups in North America, including the Mississippians, who constructed large earthen mounds for religious, ceremonial, and burial purposes.

Agricultural Revolution: The Agricultural Revolution refers to the period when Native American societies, including the Mississippians, began to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, and squash, leading to population growth and the development of complex societies.