The Mississippian culture is a late Woodland tradition. The Mississippian began around 800 A.D. which also marks a climate change to a moister climate. Distinguishing characteristics are flat topped earth mounds which temples were built upon and a form of ceramics with deeply incised lines parallel to the rim.
Horticulture is an important part of everyday life.
Metal work was done and bows and arrows were used. Cahokia is located in an area called the American Bottoms, which is located in the flood plain of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, just east of present day St. Louis. This area is the main focus of Mississippian sites, although others existed in different areas. Mississippian cultures ranged from areas between the Mississippi Valley into Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Other important Mississippian sites are Moundville in Alabama, Angel Site in Indiana, Kincaid in Illinois, Aztalan in Wisconsin, Etowah in Georgia and Spiro in Oklahoma.