Pharaoh No More: The Great Pyramid Mystery of Illinois (Spoiler Alert: It's Not What You Think)
Ever wondered if Illinois is hiding a secret stash of ancient Egyptian pyramids? You know, those magnificent multi-ton tombs for pharaohs filled with glittering gold and watchful mummies? Buckle up, history buffs (and mummy-fearing folks), because we're about to embark on a journey that's more "Prairie State" than "Pyramid Scheme."
How Many Pyramids Are In Illinois |
But wait, I saw something about pyramids in Illinois!
Hold your horses (or chariots, if that's your thing). You probably heard about the wonders of Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Illinois. This fascinating spot boasts earthen structures built by the Mississippian civilization way back in the day. These impressive mounds were used for various purposes, including temples and platforms for important folks.
Here's the key distinction: these aren't the smooth, pointy pyramids you see in Egypt. They're more like giant, flat-topped hills. Still pretty cool, though! You gotta admit, building giant mounds out of dirt is no small feat (especially without fancy bulldozers).
So, how many ACTUAL pyramids are there in Illinois?
The answer, my friend, is zero. Zilch. Nada. No pointy pharaoh prisons here. But that doesn't mean Illinois is boring (although cornfields can get a little samey). Cahokia Mounds is a fantastic place to learn about a bygone era, and hey, you can always pretend you're Indiana Jones exploring a lost temple (minus the snakes...hopefully).
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Fun Fact: Monks Mound, the largest structure at Cahokia, is the biggest earthen pyramid north of Mexico!
FAQ: Your Pyramid-Hunting Questions Answered
How to get to Cahokia Mounds?
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is located near Collinsville, Illinois. A quick web search will give you all the details.
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How much does it cost to visit Cahokia Mounds?
Admission fees are pretty reasonable. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for current rates.
How long does it take to explore Cahokia Mounds?
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
You can spend a few hours or a whole day exploring the mounds and the interpretive center.
How can I learn more about the Mississippian civilization?
The Cahokia Mounds website and museum have tons of information. There are also many great books and websites on the topic.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How do I convince my friends that Illinois has cooler history than they think?
Bring them to Cahokia Mounds! They'll be amazed at the ingenuity of the Mississippian civilization.