Explore the history of Monks Mound, a central Early Mississippian site, and its long, multifaceted story across archaeology and colonial records.
This volume examines Monks Mound, the great prehistoric earthwork in western Illinois, and its role as a civic and ceremonial center in the Eastern Woodlands. It blends archaeological findings with historical documents to illuminate how Cahokia Illini settlements, French colonial activity, and later events shaped the mound’s legacy.
Readers will gain a grounded view of how researchers piece together ancient sites from artifacts, plans, and maps, while connecting those clues to the region’s broader history. The text traces discovery, excavation goals, and the interpretation of material remains within a rich historical framework.
- Context for Monks Mound within the Early Mississippian world and its World Heritage status
- How archaeologists date, interpret, and reconstruct ancient structures from fieldwork
- Evidence of French colonial presence and its interactions with Indigenous groups
- Examples of artifacts and their roles in understanding daily life and ritual
Ideal for readers of archaeology, Mississippian culture, and historical archaeology who want a clear, accessible overview of a pivotal site.