Cahokia's decline

Cahokia, a vibrant pre-Columbian city near modern-day St. Louis, declined due to a combination of factors. Environmental changes, such as deforestation and climate shifts, likely impacted agriculture and resources. Social unrest and potential conflicts could have fragmented the community. Additionally, diseases, possibly brought by trade, may have reduced the population. As resources dwindled and societal structure weakened, fewer people remained, leading to abandonment. By the 13th century, Cahokia had transformed from a thriving center into a ghostly landscape, reflecting the complex interplay of environmental and social factors in its decline.