My Book Review of Cahokia
Cahokia by Timothy R. PauketatMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Wonderful Account
Wow. There’s a lot to take in and even more remaining unresolved. Isn’t that the reality of history and the truth of archeology?
Cahokia has been both magical and mysterious for me. Being a melting pot of ethnicity, I yearn for knowledge and to explore cultures, religions, histories… This site is such a profound aspect for me as an American and having Native American lineage that it’s important. However, it’s more significant than just for me.
Having been the largest city north of Mexico City until Philadelphia developed in the 1700s, shouldn’t we learn about Cahokia in school? Why does our indigenous history get mitigated? Why did it take so long to preserve this historic place?
I loved how detailed the author was. The indepth account gave amazing context and showed the impact Cahokia had despite the oddity of its lack of collective account. I felt the author remained unbiased, giving facts or theories without propaganda. That was appreciated and how history should be written.
I didn’t like the idea people had about Native Americans. The prejudice that indigenous peoples couldn’t build something so complex or create maps… disgraceful. And not wanting to explore archeological finds because they contradict the narrative historians have chosen to believe… Just because you don’t want it to be true or dislike it doesn’t erase the truth. I think the hardest part is trying to find the balance between honoring a grave and excavating vital history.
Like I said, there a lot. LOL
I recommend you read this book. It’s a vital aspect of American history – not just U.S., but North American and Mesoamerican at the very least. It’s not just Native American history, but it’s about all our past and how we can be better in the future.
