A Second-Terrace Perspective on Monks Mound

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Abstract
Monks Mound is a premier example of monumental architecture occupying the center of Cahokia, the largest prehistoric Indian site north of Mexico. A massive slump on the so-called "second terrace" of the mound prompted geoarchaeological testing resulting in new data concerning the age and function of this enigmatic structure. These data support theory suggesting that construction of monumental architecture is most likely to occur early in the development of complex societies, in this case the Cahokia polity. It is concluded that Monks Mound was a purposeful political tool for the manipulation of mass psychology.