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?
- Monks Mound (correct)
- Mesa Verde
- Moundville
- Mound 72
Which of the following burial characteristics was noted in Mound 72?
Which of the following burial characteristics was noted in Mound 72?
- No signs of violent deaths were found.
- Mass graves showing evidence of strangulation. (correct)
- All individuals interred were of high status.
- Only individuals from the local area were buried.
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?
- They were all descendants of Monks Mound.
- They suffered from nutritional deprivation. (correct)
- They experienced a high-status diet.
- They were locals born in Cahokia.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Flashcards
Archaeological Odysseys
Archaeological Odysseys
A project intended to inspire wider audiences to find and visit ancient archaeological sites.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument
A significant archaeological site in the United States, open to the public, visited by a student and his family.
Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites
Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites
A book showcasing 50 significant and visually impressive ancient sites in the U.S. accessible to the public.
Educational Impact
Educational Impact
Signup and view all the flashcards
Personal Experience
Personal Experience
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mound 72 at Cahokia
Mound 72 at Cahokia
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cahokia
Cahokia
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mass sacrifice at Mound 72
Mass sacrifice at Mound 72
Signup and view all the flashcards
Birdman Burial
Birdman Burial
Signup and view all the flashcards
Isotopic Analysis
Isotopic Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
