Existing comment:
The social organization of Cahokia was based on the powerful hierarchy of chiefs. A strong kinship system unified the population as a thriving economy and culture developed.
With its population of 20,000 or so, Cahokia dwarfed any other prehistoric settlement in America north of Mexico. The sheer size of Cahokia required strong leadership and a stable government to provide for, protect, and manage the community.
One man at the top -- "god" and ruler.
Theocratic Chieftainship:
A theocratic chieftainship: Cahokia was governed by a chief claiming divine power. Called "Great Sun" in later Mississippian cultures, the chief was thought to be the brother of the solar sun. Under the chief were high-ranking relatives -- sub-chieftains of an elite class. Power spread downward to the heads of clans, and controlled the general population. |