Coles Creek culture

Population increased dramatically and there is strong evidence of a growing cultural and political hierarchization, especially by the end of the Coles Creek sequence.

Although many of the classic traits of chiefdom societies are not yet manifested, by 1000 CE the formation of simple elite polities had begun.

The culture was originally defined by the unique decoration on grog-tempered ceramic ware by James A. Ford after his investigations at the Mazique Archeological Site.

Sites typical of this period are Mount Nebo, Holly Bluff, Kings Crossing, and Lake Agnes.

Coles Creek populations may have loosely "managed" certain plant resources in order to promote a better or more consistent food supply.

Maize is found in very limited quantities, but by 1000-1200 CE had begun to increase, although nowhere near the levels it would reach in later Mississippian culture times.