Mississippian Civilization

The Mississippian Civilization was a Native American culture that thrived in North America from approximately 800 to 1600 CE, especially in the southeastern United States. Known for large, complex towns built around impressive earthwork mounds, it featured advanced farming techniques, extensive trade networks, and rich spiritual practices. Their society was organized into chiefdoms, with powerful leaders overseeing ceremonial centers. Notable sites include Cahokia, near present-day St. Louis, which was one of the largest cities in North America at the time. The civilization declined before European contact, influenced by environmental changes and social shifts.