Great Circle Earthworks
Uncover the grandeur of the Great Circle at Newark, a remarkable Hopewell earthwork. Spanning nearly 1,200 feet in diameter and enclosing 30 acres, this awe-inspiring site captivates with its monumental gateway and towering walls. Explore Eagle Mound, the site of a former ceremonial building within the Circle. Discover rare copper ornaments and artifacts that showcase the far-reaching connections and ceremonial significance of this ancient gathering place. While not precisely aligned with celestial bodies, the Great Circle connects water, earth, and sky with stunning beauty.
Octagon Earthworks
Witness the architectural marvel of the Octagon Earthworks, a grand remnant of the Newark Earthworks. Built with astonishing precision, this site showcases the Hopewell culture’s advanced understanding of the cosmos. Explore the interconnected geometric enclosures, carefully engineered walls, and towering Observatory Mound. While few artifacts have been found, the rhythmic alignment with the moon hints at its sacred purpose, leaving us in awe of the ancient skywatchers who created this extraordinary place.
Mound City
Discover Mound City, a restored sacred site across the Scioto River from Hopeton Earthworks. Explore more than 20 mounds enclosed by a wall, which offer a glimpse into ceremonial gatherings from 2,000 years ago. Uncover their rich history as you learn about the finely crafted objects found beneath them. Witness the intentional use of shapes and sacred measurements that characterize the Hopewell culture. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary human genius of the past.
Hopewell Mound Group
Explore the historic Hopewell Mound Group, a ceremonial center that maintained its significance for approximately 400 years. While some structures are no longer visible, remnants of the earthworks shape a parallelogram, with the Great Enclosure and sections of the walls remaining. This is the location of the largest mound that was built in the Hopewell world. While the remnants of this mound are scantly visible today, the site’s enormous magnitude and intentional alignments still remind us to marvel at the human genius that created it.
Hopeton Earthworks
Discover the hidden wonders of the Hopeton earthworks, situated across from Mound City. Despite erosion from modern agriculture, this sacred site has been revealed through scientific archaeology and interpretive mowing. Witness the impressive geometric shapes and alignments to celestial events, reflecting the remarkable human genius of the Hopewell culture.
High Bank Works
Discover the wonders of High Bank Works, a purposefully designed site with profound connections to other Hopewell earthworks. Despite limited archaeological research, its elaborate geometry and celestial alignments hold immense potential for understanding the Hopewell culture.
Seip Earthworks
Explore the Seip earthworks and witness their profound significance. Although most of the earthen walls are no longer visible, there is an immense, singular mound that is astonishing to see up close. Archaeological investigations have also revealed remarkable artifacts and activities. The divine geometry, shared dimensions, and celestial alignments this sacred site showcase the genius of the Hopewell architects.
Fort Ancient
Experience the captivating history and natural beauty of Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve, Ohio’s oldest state park. The largest hilltop enclosure in North America, Fort Ancient was built over 2,000 years ago for ceremonial gatherings rather than defense, as the name suggests. Explore the earthen embankments, trails, and hidden cosmic connections while marveling at the intricate rhythms of time carved into the land.