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This page tries to outline the timeframe of the Mississippi civilization by classifying the periods of occupation as follows :

• Mississippi Period 800 to 1650 A.D. Large permanent villages and farming settlements established Cultivated beans and squash become important foods Pottery improved and new artistic forms developed Cahokia (Illinois), largest community north of Mexico Many materials traded over long distances Temples and houses of leaders built on mounds

• DeSoto in North America 1542 A.D.

• Late Woodland/Coles Creek 400 to 800 A.D. Permanent villages and small hamlets. Cultivated foods like squash and sunflower become more important. Corn becomes an important food. The Bow and Arrow are common. Toltec Mounds, an important community center.

• Middle Woodland 1 A.D. to 400 A.D. Permanent towns and seasonal camps. Maize introduced from Mexico. Trade carried out over long distances. Some people given special burial in mounds.

• Earliest Known Sites 2000 B.C. to 1 A.D. Related family groups in small settlements, traveled to temporary camps seasonally Some plants being cultivated Stone, shell, and copper traded widely First earthen mounds built (1500 B.C.)

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