Cahokia (City)

Cahokia was a large and advanced pre-Columbian city located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri. It emerged around 600 AD and peaked around 1100 AD. The city was known for its impressive earthen mounds, including Cahokia Mound, which was used for ceremonial purposes. At its height, Cahokia housed tens of thousands of residents, making it one of the most significant urban centers in ancient North America. The society was complex, with trade networks, agricultural practices, and a structured social hierarchy. Cahokia's decline began around 1300 AD, possibly due to environmental changes and social strife, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy.