Cahokia (the ancient city)

Cahokia was a large pre-Columbian city located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, flourishing from around 600 to 1400 AD. It featured massive earthen mounds, the most famous being Monks Mound, which served as a ceremonial and political center for the Mississippian culture. At its peak, Cahokia was home to tens of thousands of people, making it one of the largest urban centers in North America before European contact. The city was a hub of trade, agriculture, and complex social organization, showcasing advanced urban planning and cultural achievements of indigenous peoples. Its decline remains a subject of research and debate.