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MississippianUS term for the Lower or Early Carboniferous period of geological time, 363–323 million years ago. It is named after the state of Mississippi. Mississippian| Member of a prehistoric American Indian people who lived along the Mississippi River from about AD 900 until the late 18th century. Some anthropologists believe that the Mississippian culture emerged as early as AD 700. One of the Moundbuilder cultures, they built enormous earthen structures to support their temples, with housing on the sides and at the base; higher-ranking classes lived towards the top. The biggest city, Cahokia, had an estimated population of 20,000, and contained a mound 30 m/100 ft high that extended over 6 ha/16 acres. Predominantly a farming people, they also produced crafts, such as pottery, masks, carvings, pipes, and other artefacts. The reason for their extinction is unknown, but war, famine, or disease may have contributed. |
| The Mississippian grew maize (corn), beans, squash (pumpkins), and tobacco. Their religious rituals may have included human sacrifice for their gods. |
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