The Mississippi River Valley in 700 AD
In 700 AD, the Mississippi River Valley had been populated by various Native American cultures for centuries. There were settlements along the banks of the Mississippi River with advanced agricultural systems, allowing them to harvest crops such as maize, beans, squash, and sunflowers. These communities often shared a belief system similar to other tribes in the region, worshipping gods and goddesses associated with nature and the natural world.
At the beginning of the 8th century, the population of the Mississippi River Valley was largely made up of several tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez. While the largest of these groups shared a similar language and culture, they were all distinct in their own way. In addition to living along the banks of the Mississippi River, these Native American peoples also lived within its tributaries and throughout the Gulf Coast region. Interaction between tribes was commonplace, with frequent trade and alliances established. The area was also home to several nomadic peoples, including the Shoshone, Apache, and Comanche. These tribes often moved throughout the region, hunting and gathering rather than farming.
During the 8th century, the peoples of the Mississippi River Valley region were divided into two main language groups, Muskogean and Siouan. Muskogean was represented by the Choctaw and Chickasaw people, while the Siouan language was spoken by the Natchez, Sioux, Osage, and Omaha tribes. Relations between the two language groups were often tense, as each one had a different set of customs and rituals. Conflict was also commonplace, with disputes often resulting in bloodshed.
At the peak of their power in 700 AD, the Native Americans of the Mississippi River Valley controlled a vast expanse of land stretching from the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the west, to the Gulf of Mexico in the east. In addition to their agricultural prowess, these peoples were also masterful traders, exchanging goods and services with tribes across man-made and water trade networks. It was during this period that the great mound builders began constructing their monumental earthworks throughout the region.
The mounds served as places of political, religious and cultural significance, likely being used for important ceremonies and gatherings. Many of these would later become sites of pilgrimage for future generations, and a few remain intact to this day. The mounds, along with other archaeological evidence, provide the main source of information about the Native Americans who lived in the Mississippi valley in 700s AD.
In the 8th century, the Mississippi River Valley was populated by various Native American tribes, who coexisted and often competed for dominance. Some of these groups were more advanced in their ability to cultivate crops and build monumental mounds, as well as patronize a thriving trade network. Others were nomadic and followed a more basic lifestyle, though still managing to maintain strong cultural traditions. These tribes laid the foundations for what would later become the southern United States and remain in our memories as vital contributors to the cultural fabric of the region.
The Linguistic History of the Region
Linguistics has revealed much about the history of the Mississippi River Valley in the 8th century. Evidence suggests that during this time period, two main language groups were flourishing in the region, Muskogean and Siouan. For example, the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes spoke the former and the Natchez, Sioux, Osage, and Omaha people spoke the latter. These languages have since been passed down through the generations and are still spoken by certain Native American communities today.
Analysis of these languages has lent insight into the histories of their respective cultures, with evidence suggesting that Muskogean speakers may have originated from the Great Lakes region, while Siouan language speakers may have moved from the northern and central parts of the country. This information helps to piece together a more detailed picture of the Mississippi River Valley’s population in 700s AD, revealing the complexities of their existence.
Though the details of language diversity are only conjecture, it’s clear that the Mississippi River Valley was a melting pot of cultures in the 8th century. Evidence suggests that members of different tribes often interacted with each other, trading goods, forming alliances, and even engaging in warfare. Despite the tensions between different language groups, these communities were able to come together and form an important foundation for the region.
The Agriculture of the Mississippian People
The Mississippian people of the 8th century were known for their advanced agricultural systems, as they were able to cultivate a wide range of crops. These included maize, beans, squash, and sunflowers, with some of these crops having been used for centuries prior to the 8th century. Additionally, the Mississippian people also practiced animal husbandry, raising and herding various livestock for food and clothing.
The advancement of the Mississippian’s agricultural technology was apparent in the early 700s, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries found throughout the region. Many of these finds have since been studied by experts, giving us a better understanding of their farming methods. This includes tools and techniques used to harvest crops, such as simple digging sticks, baskets, and clay pottery. Furthermore, analyses of the soil have revealed important information about the Mississippian’s farming practices, including the use of fertilizer, crop rotation, and land management.
The Mississippian people’s agricultural prowess enabled them to create a strong foundational economy for the region. This allowed for increased cultural and political development, as evidenced by mounds and other archaeological evidence. Moreover, their farming technology helped make them a key player in the southeastern trade networks of the 8th century.
The Role of Trade in the Mississippi River Valley
In the 8th century, the Mississippi River Valley was a hub of trade among Native American societies. The numerous tributaries of the Mississippi supplied access to vast trade networks, with goods being exchanged between areas ranging from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. Evidence also suggests that these trades routes were used by Europeans in the centuries following.
At the time, Native American traders exchanged a variety of goods, including tools, clothing, and food. Archaeological evidence has revealed that these trades extended beyond the Mississippi Valley, allowing for the exchange of items such as shells and salt. Some examples of the exotic goods exchanged in the region include North American obsidian, which was imported from the west, and precious metals and stones, which were brought from the north.
The trade networks established by the Native American peoples of the 7th and 8th centuries played an important role in the cultural, economic, and political development of the region and beyond, in turn contributing to the cultural diversity of the southeastern United States. The remaining mounds and other archaeological evidence scattered throughout the region are a reminder of these ancient trading routes and the peoples who used them.
Conclusion of the Relationship between the Local Peoples
The relationships between the Native American inhabitants of the Mississippi River Valley in the 8th century were intricate and often convoluted. While some tribes shared a language, they all had unique customs and beliefs. There was, however, a sense of unity among all of the tribes, as they often interacted and traded with each other. This unity was exhibited through the cultural and religious activities held in mounds throughout the region.
Though the history of the region is still uncertain, we can be sure that the ancient peoples of the Mississippi River Valley left their mark on the landscape. Through decades of archaeological research and analysis, the facts and fiction surrounding their lives in 700s AD has been pieced together, providing us with a greater understanding of this important period in history.
