ntic conical mounds with stone chambers and burials often found at the mound’s base. Circular moats and earthworks were often associated with these huge mounds along with lavish grave goods. There were a couple hundred Adena sites with some of them still unexcavated.
As Adena waned, around 3000 years ago, a new mound culture developed. Known as “Hopewell,” these enigmatic people erected massive geometric earthworks with the largest some 56 miles in length. Their sites were often utilized for ceremonies and rituals. Some Hopewell sites are simply incredible formations that defy simple descriptions. For example, the circular and octagon-shaped earthworks at Newark, Ohio and Serpent Mound in southern Ohio are must-see archaeological sites. Many museums at important mound sites in Ohio are devoted to mounds and earthworks.
About 1000 years ago, a culture referred to as “Mississippian” replaced the Hopewell. The Mississippians typically constructed massive mound complexes surrounded by wooden palisade fortresses. Many of the pyramid mounds constructed inside the walls were utilized as bases for temples and houses for the elite rulers. Many states have large parks with museums devoted to the preservation of Mississippian Era sites. During these many mound-building eras, thousands of mounds formed into animal shapes were made, dozens of huge hilltop fortresses ringed with stonewalls and earthen embankments were constructed, and countless geometric earthworks in the shapes of circles, octagons, and long linear mounds were made.
While most mounds have been destroyed, many of America’s ancient mound complexes still remain intact and are easily visited. Some, especially the larger and most unique sites, have been made into parks with museums and pathways that weave their way through the timeless mounds. They are unique sites that give a historical perspective absent from the typical American education.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Native American Indian Mounds & Earthworks is the most comprehensive guidebook to America’s mounds in existence. Over 1100 site descriptions and locations are cited along with museums devoted to mound sites. The book contains nearly 900 photos, illustrations, and maps of sites along with over 80 site reconstructions. Many rare photos of stone chambers inside excavated mounds are included. The over sized hardcover book was issued in July 2016.
Source: Eagle Wing Books, Inc.