Feeding Cahokia: early agriculture in the North American heartland

Archaeological research at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site reveals that early agriculture played a pivotal role in sustaining the pre-Columbian city, challenging previous assumptions about its subsistence strategies. The study identifies a shift from foraging to intensive maize cultivation around 1050 CE, coinciding with Cahokia's expansion and population growth. Using sediment core analysis and radiocarbon dating, researchers traced the introduction of agricultural practices, including earthworks and soil amendments, which enhanced productivity. These findings highlight the sophistication of Cahokia's agricultural system, contributing to its status as a major urban center in North America.

VanDerwarker, A. M. (2019). Feeding Cahokia: early agriculture in the North American heartland. Southeastern Archaeology, 39(1), 63–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/0734578x.2019.1665961