Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley

Experience 8 sacred earthworks of the ancient Hopewell culture with this breathtaking book featuring 250+ images and fascinating insights on Native American history.

Between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago, Native American communities built monumental earthen enclosure complexes in Ohio. They are the largest geometrically shaped earthworks in the world. Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is a gorgeous tribute to eight of these architectural masterpieces, featuring more than 250 images that capture their breathtaking scope, beauty, and precision. These ceremonial sites align with Sun and Moon cycles and reveal the vision and genius of their designers making connections to the cosmos.

In 2023, UNESCO added the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks to their World Heritage list–only the 25th US site with that honor. This celebratory volume brings together:

• Histories of the sites
• 14 maps and more than 250 photographs
• Summaries of the latest archaeological research
• Indigenous perspectives from tribal leaders, scholars, and artists
• Fresh insights on the beauty and brilliance of the earthworks

Fort Ancient, Octagon Earthworks, Great Circle Earthwork, Mound City, Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, High Bank Works, and Seip Earthworks make up the eight impressive sites. Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is a worthy celebration of their scale, precision, and artistry, as well as the history and culture behind them.

Author: John E. Hancock
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Smithsonian Books
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 232
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9781588348128
Language: English