Recent Discussions In Late Prehistoric Southern Archaeology (original) (raw)

Late prehistoric Southern archaeology has undergone significant reevaluation over the past decades, notably regarding mound construction and social organization. Discoveries have revealed that earthen mounds of the Archaic period date back further than previously thought, leading to interpretations of egalitarian societies among the builders. In contrast, the Mississippian period has been analyzed through varying lenses, including the debate over the appropriateness of the term "chiefdom" to describe the hierarchies and political organization of its societies, particularly at significant sites like Cahokia and Moundville. Ongoing discussions emphasize heterogeneity within these cultures, advocating for a deeper understanding of their diverse social structures and relationships.