Podcast
Questions and Answers
What notable archaeological feature is defined by its earthworks at Cahokia?
What notable archaeological feature is defined by its earthworks at Cahokia?
Which of the following burial characteristics was noted in Mound 72?
Which of the following burial characteristics was noted in Mound 72?
What does isotopic analysis of the bones from Mound 72 suggest about the women buried there?
What does isotopic analysis of the bones from Mound 72 suggest about the women buried there?
What was one of the materials found in the Birdman burial feature of Mound 72?
What was one of the materials found in the Birdman burial feature of Mound 72?
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How many people does the burial feature in Mound 72 reportedly contain, based on the archaeological findings?
How many people does the burial feature in Mound 72 reportedly contain, based on the archaeological findings?
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What was the initial impact of the professor's class on the student years later?
What was the initial impact of the professor's class on the student years later?
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What was the name of the project that arose from the professor's reflection on the student's email?
What was the name of the project that arose from the professor's reflection on the student's email?
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Which factor did the professor emphasize about the 50 archaeological sites he visited?
Which factor did the professor emphasize about the 50 archaeological sites he visited?
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What did the student’s daughter express an interest in after visiting the site?
What did the student’s daughter express an interest in after visiting the site?
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Which of the following was NOT mentioned in the professor's account of his connection with the student?
Which of the following was NOT mentioned in the professor's account of his connection with the student?
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Study Notes
Student's Inspiring Journey to an Archaeological Site
- Student emailed author years later about a class site photo which was inspiring.
- Student and family visited Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona, inspired by the class and photos.
- Student's family found the site amazing.
- The student's four-year-old daughter now wants to be an archaeologist.
Archaeological Odysseys Project
- Author created project "Archaeological Odysseys" to inspire a broader audience to visit ancient sites.
- Visited 50 significant US archaeological sites.
- Resulting book: "Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites to See for Yourself" (2016).
- Followed the project with a book on Native American archaeology in US parks (2023).
- The project aimed to inspire visitations to public sites showcasing ancient structures, monuments, and art.
US Archaeological Sites (Examples)
- Many US national monuments, parks, and historical parks showcase ancient sites.
- Examples of sites in the project: Poverty Point, Miamisburg Mound, Etowah, Kolomoki, Grand Village of the Natchez, Town Creek Mound, Moundville, Cahokia, Aztalan, Crystal River, Montezuma Castle, Casa Grande, Wupatki, Chaco Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon, Hovenweep, Mesa Verde, Wupatki National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, Newspaper Rock, Sego Canyon, Dinosaur National Monument, and Navajo National Monument.
- Sites are valuable for visual and experiential understanding of ancient America.
Mound 72 at Cahokia
- Mound 72 at Cahokia is a significant burial site.
- Its size is not prominent compared to other earthworks at Cahokia (3m high, 43m long, 22m wide).
- It contained the remains of about 272 people interred between 1050 and 1150 CE.
- Contains burials of apparent victims of mass sacrifice.
- Evidence of mass sacrifice includes 53 women (15–30 years old) killed by strangulation showing nutritional deprivation and being outsiders.
- The sacrifice seems to contain a mass grave of 39 men showing signs of violent death.
- The burial clusters include high-status burials and exotic materials (copper tubes, shell beads, mica, stones, arrow points).
- The burial clusters are suggestive of a structured creation story or a leader's afterlife.
- The "Birdman Burial" (sub-mound) contained a young woman, a young man, and complex shell arrangements.
Author's Reflections
- Author believes direct experience of archaeological sites provides a profound appreciation for the past.
- Author was "gobsmacked" (stunned) while visiting the sites.
- Author believes the written word and photos are important, but in-person experiences are invaluable.
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Description
Explore the inspiring journey of a student visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument and the broader project 'Archaeological Odysseys'. This quiz delves into significant archaeological sites across the US and the impact of such visits on future generations interested in archaeology. Discover how ancient sites can ignite passion and enthusiasm for this fascinating field.
