The Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (SECC) refers to a network of shared religious and cultural practices among Native American societies in the Southeastern United States during the Mississippian period, characterized by elaborate iconography and ceremonial objects. It played a crucial role in shaping social hierarchies, trade, and communication across vast regions, influencing the cultural development of tribes such as the Cahokia, Caddo, and Creek.
The Mississippian Culture was a Native American civilization that thrived from approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE in the southeastern United States, characterized by its large, complex societies and the construction of earthen mounds. This culture is noted for its advanced agricultural practices, extensive trade networks, and the development of chiefdoms, with Cahokia being one of its most significant urban centers.
Social hierarchy refers to the arrangement of individuals within a society based on power, status, and access to resources, often manifesting as a structured ranking system. It influences social interactions, opportunities, and individual behavior, perpetuating inequality and affecting social mobility.
Cahokia was a pre-Columbian Native American city located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, and it was the largest and most influential urban settlement of the Mississippian culture, flourishing from approximately 1050 to 1350 AD. Known for its complex society, Cahokia featured large earthen mounds, sophisticated agricultural practices, and extensive trade networks, reflecting its role as a central hub of cultural and economic activity in North America during its peak.