What is the name of the last major prehistoric Indian culture in North America that existed until the arrival of European explorers?

The Mississippian Culture is recognized as the last major prehistoric Indian culture in North America before the arrival of European explorers. This culture thrived from around 800 CE to 1600 CE, flourishing in the southeastern region of what is now the United States. The Mississippian societies were known for their large, complex cities led by chieftains, agricultural practices that included the cultivation of maize, and significant trade networks.

One of the hallmarks of the Mississippian Culture was their impressive earthen mounds, which often served religious or political functions and were central to their urban layouts. The culture was highly organized, with a social hierarchy and a focus on communal living. As European explorers began to arrive in North America in the 15th and 16th centuries, many Mississippian cities were already well-established, showcasing the advanced nature of this culture.

In contrast, the Hopewell Culture is known for its earlier development and distinct mound-building practices but predates the Mississippian Culture by several centuries. The Pueblo and Ancestral Puebloans represent cultures found in the southwestern United States that focus on different architectural styles and agrarian lifestyles, and they evolved concurrently with Mississippian societies but do not mark