The earthen skyscrapers of the Mississippians
Stone palaces in the desert cliffs
Ancient science, astronomy, and alignment
The continent-spanning trade networks
YOUR GOAL
Master of Mounds and mesas: The ancient megacities of North America
sonia Mississippian builders moved millions of basketloads of soil to construct durable mounds without the aid of draft animals or wheeled vehicles.
sonia Etowah Mounds in Georgia was a fortified chiefdom famous for its sophisticated copper artwork and defensive deep moats.
sonia Build massive earthen mounds to discover how ancient Mississippians engineered their sprawling cities.
Mound building: Mississippians built Monks Mound with 22 million cubic feet of soil, all carried by hand in baskets!
A raised mass of earth, gravel, or stone, especially one constructed by human hands. Mississippian builders constructed massive earthen platforms at sites like Cahokia, Moundville, and Etowah.
How did Mississippian builders transport the massive amounts of soil needed to build their mounds?
What was the primary purpose of the flat tops on Mississippian mounds like those at Moundville?
Which major river system was crucial for trade and transport for the Mississippian culture?
What material did the artists of Etowah in Georgia use to make their famous winged warrior plates?
Around what year did the widespread cultivation of corn begin to fuel the Mississippian population boom?