Cahokia was a Native American city that existed from about 1050-1350. The Mississippi mound civilization shared the same cosmological beliefs as the great ancient cities of Central and South America, and at its peak covered about six square miles and included over one hundred mounds. Those living in Cahokia held a fundamental understanding of the cosmos and aligning to it. But Cahokia’s city grid was 5 degrees precisely off the north-south axis, and did not align with the sun or moon’s movements. Why is this? Archaeologist Tim Pauketat explains the reason, revealing impressive rigor in city-planning.