ABSTRACT
At least six cultural subregions developed during the third, or Mississippian, moundbuilding epoch. (See Map 11.) Each subregion, to varying degrees, possessed noticeable continuities in customs and styles that clearly distinguish it from the others. Although there had been culturally distinct areas during the second, or Hopewellian, period, they were small in scope and much more numerous. Mississippian subregions were large, and generally encompassed significant portions of what would become several states. The Middle Mississippian subregion was at the center, and arrayed around it were the Southern Appalachian, Plaquemine, Caddoan, Oneota, and Fort Ancient. 1 One could also delineate an additional, seventh, subregion in Florida. The centers of these subregional cultures participated at some level in the Mississippian ceremonial, and while they did so, they were able to bring about an unprecedented degree of consolidation and cultural continuity within their own locales.
