I did, however, enjoy the character of Severine partially because she reminded me of my favorite character from my ill-fated first novel.

Much of the dialogue seemed to consist of characters discussing logistics of the world and why they can and cannot do certain things. It repeated plot points (there were two heists that basically went the same way both times). And the protagonist characters didn't have any characterization.

All in all, it's fascinating to think of what life would've been like in Cahokia. If Europeans had not invaded the Americas, this location probably would be the best place for the most influential city within the borders of the modern US.

Not only was much of Cahokia destroyed by farmers before archeological digs could be established, but destruction continued into the 20th century with the construction of subdivisions and highway 55.

There is still much that's unknown about Cahokia due to to destruction of the archeological site on the part of European settlers. The racist myth that Native Americans in the US were incapable of building cities like those in Mesoamerica was perpetuated to vindicate their horrendous treatment.

Evidence of satellite communities consisting of immigrant cultures (from the southern Mississippi) have been found around Cahokia. They were probably the equivalent of feudal serfs given their poor diet. Still, it's fun to think about the immigrant communities existing in ancient cities.

There are conflicting theories over whether Cahokia had significant cultural exchange with Mesoamerica. There are no significant artifacts of Mesoamerican origin found on the site, but many cultural stories are shared.

One grave includes two well-decorated men atop the bodies of sacrifices. They are clothed to resemble the "hero twins," a common story among Native American cultures. It's fun to think that these two individuals are the origin of the story, but there is no evidence that they are.

Cahokia practiced sacrifice, and the ways bodies lie in certain mass graves indicates that victims would be lined up near the grave and clubbed, letting their bodies fall.

When Chunkey was introduced by the book, it was immediately followed by a quote from one man declaring it to be a boring sport compared to "Stickball" (I found this juxtaposition funny). Stickball may have been inspired by Cahokian club-based warriors.

Chunkey, a sport that involved tossing a stone and throwing a spear to land as close to it as possible, was integral to Cahokian society. Chunkey stones were frequently found in trash heaps and grand plazas existed for the sport. Sometimes it might have been used to settle disputes between factions.

Around 1050 CE, Cahokia's population skyrocketed, bringing cultures from all over the Mississippi River basin. One possible impetus was the appearance of the SN 1054 supernova which may have encouraged a migration for religious reasons.

Cahokia was the largest pre-columbian settlement in the continental United States. Its population dwarfed that of London in the 1000s during its heyday. Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri river, it was the perfect place for a connected society.