“Pax Cahokiana” was the peak of the Native American society of Cahokia. It arose from immigration, was maintained by military force among other things, and fails in an atmosphere of militarization and ethnic tension. “Pax Cahokiana” is a play on the phrase “Pax Romana.” “Pax Romana” was the era in which the Roman Empire reached its peak and was an era of peace. Pauketat says, Cahokia was “as large in its day as London.” Cahokia began as a humble village located in the Mississippi River Valley, near present day St Louis. Like other villages, Cahokia was a society that prospered on the growth of corn. Cahokian farmers eventually cultivated a new type of corn called Northern Flint Corn. The daily life of an Old Cahokian in warm season consisted
…show more content…
Its strategic location to waterways made it a trading hub for other native villages. At that time, it was home to more than a thousand people, making it the largest village in ancient America’s Corn Belt. Part of Cahokia’s success was due to the fact that people had begun migrating to Cahokia from less successful villages. The migration from other villages and regions to Cahokia influenced the culture and the way they did things such as cooking and growing crops. With Cahokian population growing, so was construction. Cahokians began tearing down the old houses and leveling the land. Neighborhoods were being constructed as well as many earthen pyramids. These pyramids were constructed across razed landscapes. Atop these pyramids “large domiciles, halls, temples, and council chambers.” The largest construction that took place in Cahokia was the Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza was the size of thirty-five football fields. It was a symbol for the success that Cahokia had …show more content…
Research finds have helped archeologist conclude that when Cahokia was declining there was an atmosphere of militarization and ethnic tension. It is possible that Cahokia’s success ultimately led to its demise. The Cahokians may not have been able to adequately produce, feed, house, and care for as many people that were living in their midst. The people of Cahokia were exhausting the city’s economical resources. Invasions from outside forces were often in Cahokia, due to the fact that warfare was common in the Mississippian culture. It is possible that the Cahokians did not defend themselves and were forced to abandon the land. Bison hunting became increasingly popular during Cahokia’s decline. It made people want to move from river valley areas to plains areas for hunting. One thing is for sure, people left Cahokia in search for better things. “Pax Cahokia” was an era in Native American history like none other. Cahokia is compared to the great ancient cites of Tenochtitlan and Machu Pichu. At Cahokia’s height it was an epicenter located in the Mississippi River Valley, and after its demise it was built over as if it never existed. Arguably North America’s greatest Native American city Cahokia was strategically placed, and operated on a set system that helped maintain the city until the system began to
Its strategic location to waterways made it a trading hub for other native villages. At that time, it was home to more than a thousand people, making it the largest village in ancient America’s Corn Belt. Part of Cahokia’s success was due to the fact that people had begun migrating to Cahokia from less successful villages. The migration from other villages and regions to Cahokia influenced the culture and the way they did things such as cooking and growing crops. With Cahokian population growing, so was construction. Cahokians began tearing down the old houses and leveling the land. Neighborhoods were being constructed as well as many earthen pyramids. These pyramids were constructed across razed landscapes. Atop these pyramids “large domiciles, halls, temples, and council chambers.” The largest construction that took place in Cahokia was the Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza was the size of thirty-five football fields. It was a symbol for the success that Cahokia had …show more content…
Research finds have helped archeologist conclude that when Cahokia was declining there was an atmosphere of militarization and ethnic tension. It is possible that Cahokia’s success ultimately led to its demise. The Cahokians may not have been able to adequately produce, feed, house, and care for as many people that were living in their midst. The people of Cahokia were exhausting the city’s economical resources. Invasions from outside forces were often in Cahokia, due to the fact that warfare was common in the Mississippian culture. It is possible that the Cahokians did not defend themselves and were forced to abandon the land. Bison hunting became increasingly popular during Cahokia’s decline. It made people want to move from river valley areas to plains areas for hunting. One thing is for sure, people left Cahokia in search for better things. “Pax Cahokia” was an era in Native American history like none other. Cahokia is compared to the great ancient cites of Tenochtitlan and Machu Pichu. At Cahokia’s height it was an epicenter located in the Mississippi River Valley, and after its demise it was built over as if it never existed. Arguably North America’s greatest Native American city Cahokia was strategically placed, and operated on a set system that helped maintain the city until the system began to