Envisioning Cahokia

The massive earthen mounds of ancient Cahokia in southwestern Illinois form the largest and most complex archaeological site in the United States. Here, at the center of a vibrant Native American culture, a settlement of Mississippian Indians grew, prospered, and declined. Tracing perceptions of the Cahokian landscape from the times of Indians and explorers, Envisioning Cahokia details the archaeology of North America's largest prehistoric urban center. Illustrated with a variety of images, this unique book provides new insights into Cahokian lifeways, land use, and culture through a landscape approach that explores the interrelationship of environment and society. Moving back and forth through time from the present landscape to the original settlement allows a unified and holistic vision of the site, in contrast to the fragmentary glimpse commonly offered by traditional approaches. Using the latest data from remote sensing and archaeological field studies, the authors examine such structures as the immense Grand Plaza and the impressive mounds used for both community ceremonies and burials. These mounds and other features of Cahokia form a political and social map, revealing a rich and elaborate culture. The authors show how settlement and ceremonial patterns defined power structures and belief systems, and how Cahokians may have perceived their place in the physical and spiritual worlds. The authors' combined experience in archaeology, geography, geology, and landscape architecture results in a dynamic interpretation of society and resources. Tracing the history of the Cahokians and their landscape, Envisioning Cahokia leads readers to a new awareness of a culture that will forever inspire wonder and respect.

ISBN 0875805949   Pages 238 ISBN13 9780875805948 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Northern Illinois University Press   Weight (grammes) 426 Imprint Northern Illinois University Press   Published in Dekalb, IL Format Paperback   Height (mm) 230 Publication date 03 Jan 2003   Width (mm) 158 Library of Congress E99.M6815   Spine width (mm) 16 DEWEY 977.301   Academic level General, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC21

		Illustrations
		Acknowledgments
		Introduction		3
Pt. I		Landscape and Culture
1		The Landscape Concept		19
2		A Landscape Approach		41
Pt. II		Cahokian Landscapes
3		The Cahokia Landscape		59
4		Settling Cahokia		69
5		Landscape Structure		89
6		Landscape Change		107
Pt. III		Landscape and Meaning
7		Cahokians in the Landscape		125
8		Building Cahokia		134
9		Landscape Elements		151
10		Landscape Symbolism		167
11		Abandonment		189
		Conclusion		194
		Appendix		209
		Bibliography		211
		Biographical Sketches		237
		Index		239

"No other group of people could have written this landmark interpretation. Their training and experiences in archaeology, geography, and the natural sciences make them the perfect people to create this unique and attractive work." - William E. Doolittle, author of Cultivated Landscapes of Native North America; "A major contribution to the field of Cahokia studies." - Mark Mehrer, author of Cahokia's Countryside

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