Du Pratz

The Natchez

On February 11, 1700, explorers led by De Iberville reached Natchez, welcomed by a chief and his warriors. The Natchez were known for their sacred practices, including a temple that housed a perpetual fire and involved ritual sacrifices in times of crisis. Their society was structured around the Great Sun, a pivotal figure in their worship and governance. As they traversed the Mississippi, explorers documented their customs, including festivals aligned with lunar cycles and the poignant traditions of life and death, marking the Natchez as a significant nation in early American history.

Mound Builders

Bottle Creek Mounds

The post discusses the connection between ancient mounds in North America and the indigenous tribes, refuting the notion that these structures were built by a distinct race known as the Mound Builders. Evidence presented includes similarities in skull structure among various tribes and the fortified nature of their towns. Early European explorers observed these communities engaged in agriculture and crafting, challenging the idea of indigenous nomadism. The author argues that the mounds are the work of Native Americans, the true ancestors of today’s tribes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their legacy.

Indian Mounds throughout North America

Great Serpent Mound Postcard

The region surrounding Lake Michigan was historically inhabited by skilled mound builders, including the Wyandots and Six Nations, who buried their deceased with treasures beneath earthen mounds. Excavations across North America, from Tennessee to Georgia, have uncovered European artifacts, suggesting cultural exchanges with early explorers. Similarities in mound structures and burial practices link the mound builders to contemporary Native American tribes. Mounds served varied purposes, including memorials and fortifications, reflecting the complex social practices of these ancient communities throughout the continent.