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Do you enjoy a mystery?

Much of the history of America before colonization is mysterious. We know that several thriving civilizations declined rapidly and crumbled or simply vanished.  Why? Look at the evidence and decide for yourself.

Let's take a look at two separate civilizations and the pottery they created.

These two civilizations are called the Moundbuilders, or Mississippians, and the Mogollon Mimbres. They existed at about the same time in two separate parts of the United States.

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The Mississippians lived and traded along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, mainly between 800 and 1400 AD. This area is part of what is known as the eastern woodlands of the North American continent.

The Mimbres lived along small rivers flowing from the mountains in the American Southwest in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico.¹ Here is a map that shows the area.

Activity: Using a map of the states and the two maps below, find the areas where the Mimbres and the Mississippians lived. Print out the maps and mark the areas.

North America Map

North America Map with Rivers

[1]  This information was found on the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Mimbres Pottery Exhibit site.

*  Maps on this site are courtesy of