Strategic middlemen: ?b Monongahela, Mohawk, and Meskwaki settlements in a trade landscape
Abstract
North America was home to a vast set of trade networks both prehistorically and historically. In several instances key passages within these networks were controlled by societies who acted as middlemen. This position allowed them to command great power and wealth, which created tension with their neighbors and trade partners. This study examines how the Monongahela of the upper Ohio River valley (A.D. 1100-1635), the Mohawk of the Mohawk valley (A.D. 1525-1776), and the Meskwaki of the Fox River Passage (A.D. 1665-1730) settled within their territories and how these decisions may have reflected considerations including subsistence, control of routes, and defense.
Subject
Indians of North America -- Commerce -- History.
Meskwaki Indians.
Indians of North America -- Fox River Passage -- 1665-1730.
Monongahela Indians.
Indians of North America -- Ohio River Valley -- 1100-1635.
Mohawk Indians.
Indians of North America -- New York (State) -- Mohawk River Valley -- History -- 1525-1776.
Archaeology -- North America.
Archaeology and history.
Archaeology -- Methodology.