the mounds of North America

The mounds of North America, often referred to as earthworks, are large earthen structures built by ancient Indigenous peoples, primarily between 1000 BCE and 1500 CE. They served various purposes, including burial sites, ceremonial platforms, and fortifications. The most famous mounds are located in places like Cahokia, near modern-day St. Louis, and the Adena and Hopewell traditions in the Ohio Valley. These structures reflect sophisticated social and political organization, advanced engineering skills, and cultural practices. Today, they are recognized as significant archaeological sites, offering insights into the history and achievements of Indigenous civilizations in North America.