The Hopewell Tradition

The Hopewell Tradition was a cultural pattern in North America (around 200 BCE to 500 CE), known for its advanced earthworks, elaborate burial mounds, and widespread trade networks. Centered mainly in the Ohio River Valley, Hopewell communities built large, intricate mounds often used for ceremonies, burials, or gatherings. They engaged in extensive trade, exchanging goods like shell, obsidian, and copper across vast distances. Their craftsmanship, especially in creating detailed jewelry and artifacts, reflects sophisticated skills. The tradition highlights a complex society with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections, emphasizing communal rituals and a shared worldview.