Did Native Tribes Live in Large Cities Before Colonialism?

Historically, the presence of significant native cities in certain regions before colonialism was not the norm for much of North America.

Urbanization in Specific Regions

However, in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia, native cities were indeed common. For example, Jerusalem was a large city before Roman colonization, and Delhi was a significant urban center before various invasive powers. In India and Mexico, most native populations lived in cities, as the Mayans and Aztecs had extensive urban centers. In South Africa, however, native populations did not settle in large cities.

Indigenous Cities of North America

Despite the myth of pre-colonial North America being teeming with large urban centers, only a few such cities have been confirmed. The Cahokia Mounds, located in Illinois, is a prime example. This site indicates the presence of an advanced indigenous civilization that flourished between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Native Cahokian people built large earthen mounds and complex settlements in tandem with French settlements in the region during the 17th century. However, by the late 17th century, the dominant Native power in the area was the Illinois Confederacy, which was likely unrelated to the earlier urban civilization.

Urban Centers in the Midwest and South

Further evidence of early indigenous cities in the Midwest and South comes from the Muskogee (Creek) and Hawaiian native tribes. The Creek people, for instance, were skilled farmers, hunters, and traders, and they certainly lived in villages and towns. In Hawaii, the native people had extensive urban centers, such as the capital of Honolulu. It is important to note that these were to be distinguished from settlements built by European colonizers or later industrial developments.

Lessons from Historical Accounts

Historical accounts, such as those of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, demonstrate the presence of large indigenous cities in the southeastern United States. De Soto was known to have visited several places where villages were built around mound temples in the 16th century. However, by the time European explorers returned to these regions in the 17th century, all such cities were abandoned. This showcases the fragility and eventual decline of these cities, possibly due to droughts and conflicts.

Conclusion

While there is evidence of significant native cities across the Americas, these were the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of native populations in North America lived in smaller villages and settlements rather than in large cities. This unique pattern of urbanization highlights the considerable diversity and complexity of indigenous cultures in the Americas.

According to archeological findings, the Mississippi civilization, which thrived along the banks of the Mississippi River, played a significant role in the urban development of North America. This civilization, which is believed to have peaked during the 12th century, likely declined due to droughts and wars, and eventually, the cities were abandoned. By the time of the arrival of European explorers, the region was essentially devoid of large urban centers.

The complexity of urban development in indigenous populations demonstrates a rich history that is often overlooked in the broader narrative of colonialism. This gives us a deeper understanding of the indigenous cultures and their urban planning and architectural achievements before the arrival of Europeans.

To sum up, North America was not well urbanized until the arrival of colonial powers. The scattered urban centers that do exist were the exception and were followed by significant decline and abandonment. This highlights the unique urban development patterns of the native peoples before colonization.