Summary
Highlights
Introduction to Cahokia00:00:05
Located near modern-day St. Louis, Cahokia was a dominant city in the heart of the continent a thousand years ago, led by a figure known as the Great Sun.
The Great Sun and Societal Laws00:01:21
The Great Sun lived atop a massive man-made mountain and established a moral code for his people, emphasizing non-violence, fidelity, honesty, and generosity.
City Structure and Population00:02:11
Cahokia supported 20,000 residents, making it the largest city in the United States until Philadelphia surpassed it in 1800. The people were sedentary farmers living in permanent houses, distinct from nomadic groups.
Trade and Culture00:03:16
The city served as a major trade nexus, utilizing the Mississippi River to transport goods such as copper, obsidian, mica, and shells from across the continent.
Daily Life and Traditions00:04:04
Daily life in Cahokia involved feasting, gift-giving, and communal gatherings, reflecting deep-seated traditions of hospitality and social connection.