What term is commonly used to refer to the native Americans of the Mississippian Period?

The term "Mound Builders" is commonly used to refer to the Native Americans of the Mississippian Period due to their distinctive practice of constructing large earth mounds for ceremonial, religious, and burial purposes. These mounds served as significant cultural and social centers and were often used for elite burials and public gatherings.

The Mississippian culture thrived from approximately 800 CE to the arrival of Europeans, particularly in the southeastern United States. The Mound Builders were known for their advanced agricultural practices, which included the cultivation of crops like maize, beans, and squash, leading to the establishment of complex, sedentary communities. The development of these mounds indicates a highly organized society with social stratification and governance.

In contrast, the other terms provided do not accurately encapsulate the hallmark characteristics of the Mississippian peoples. While "Nomads" refers to groups that move frequently in search of resources, the Mound Builders were largely sedentary. "Hunters" might describe some indigenous peoples in different contexts, but it does not specifically denote the unique characteristics of the Mississippian cultures. Similarly, "Settlers" is a more generalized term that doesn't reflect the specific cultural practices and societal structures of the Mississ