The Mysterious Birdman of Mound 72

Cahokia, a once bustling epicenter of civilization nestled across the river from what is now known as St. Louis, is often referred to as the archaeological counterpart of ancient Jerusalem, only manifested in a tapestry of earthen mounds rather than stone structures. 

   An illustrious city and sacred hub of the ancient Native American civilization, Cahokia was an American beacon of light during the European 'Dark Ages'. While unknown to the "civilized world" the city functioned as a vibrant hub of exchange; its trade routes stretching across the expanse of the continent. Its influence was palpable, with artifacts, pottery shards and intricate jewelry traced back to Cahokia found from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The echoes of its cultural impact reverberate still today, among contemporary native tribes, with its mythology and legends deeply interwoven into their spiritual practices.

    The heart of this ancient city's allure and the greatest archaeological treasure lies hidden within the unassumingly christened Mound 72. Though it isn't the largest of Cahokia's many mounds and often goes unnoticed by park visitors, Mound 72 houses the remnants of an ancient calendar system and a sprawling necropolis. The mound is a chilling testament to ritual sacrifices, as it holds hundreds of skeletons, primarily those of young women and girls, meticulously arranged in a circular pattern. At the epicenter of this macabre spectacle rests a solitary figure — a man.

    Cloaked in feathers, encrusted with jewels, and surrounded by a cache of nearly 1,000 arrowheads, this lone body has been preserved in remarkable condition. His identity remains shrouded in mystery, with theories suggesting he was either an elite huntsman or a revered warrior chieftain. Given the richness of his burial accoutrements and the scale of human sacrifices surrounding him, it is plausible to conjecture that this might be the mortal remains of the city’s founding chief or its principal leader during its golden age.

    Regrettably, many of Cahokia's mounds have fallen prey to time, plunder, and ignorance, their archaeological significance lost to the ravages of history. As a result, the enigma of the so-called Cahokia bird-man may forever remain an unsolved riddle, a silent testament to a civilization whose echoes are barely audible in the annals of time.

Image from Cahokia Mounds Historical Facts and Pictures | The History Hub