Following in ancient footsteps. Ongoing at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Following in ancient footsteps. Ongoing at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Hopewell culture flourished along rivers in the northeastern and midwestern United States from 100 BCE to 500 CE, in the Middle Woodland period. The Hopewell tradition was not a single culture or society, but a widely dispersed set of related populations. They were connected by a common network of trade routes, known as the Hopewell exchange system. Explore what archaeologists have learned about earthen mounds and ceremonial artifacts and their relation to the sacred lives of the ancient people in Ohio. The mounds themselves can be explored in the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park just 48 miles south of Columbus near Chillicothe, Ohio. Artifacts are on display there as well.


Legged pottery vessel depicting a bird, Hopewell culture, 100 BCE - 500 CE. Image courtesy of Deborah Platt.


Copper falcon from the Mound City Group site of the Hopewell culture. Image courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service.

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