Constructed from the ground by ancient civilizations, earthworks are fascinating and alluring. Ohio is home to several significant earthworks, each offering insight into the Native Americans who created them. Perhaps the most unique of all is the aptly-named Serpent Mound. This serpent-shaped earthwork can be found in southern Ohio and some believe it dates back to 300 BCE. To visit this fascinating site is to experience a prehistoric destination that continues to baffle archeologists to this day.
Few people realize that Ohio is home to the world’s largest surviving effigy mound.
Roy Luck / flickr
An effigy mound is defined as a raised pile of earth in the shape of an animal or symbol. This serpentine earthwork is truly remarkable in its size and history.
Roy Luck / flickr
When you visit the 1,348-foot-long Serpent Mound, located in Peebles, you’ll see just how appropriate the name is. The large earthwork represents a giant serpent with seven winding coils.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Interestingly, the landmark is located on the site of an ancient meteor impact that happened 300 million years ago. While this site has been studied by historians and archeologists, the purpose of the earthwork remains unknown.
Vicki Timman / flickr Some experts believe that Serpent Mound served a religious or spiritual purpose while others think it may have been useful for the burial site, despite the fact that there are no gravesites nearby.
Another fascinating characteristic of the earthwork is that the head of the serpent aligns with the summer solstice sunset while the tail aligns with the winter solstice sunrise.
Posnov / Getty Images Experts have wondered, then, if ancient people may have used the serpent to keep track of the seasons. Excavation efforts that took place starting in the 19th century have attributed the mound to one of two groups: the Early Woodland Adena culture or the Late Prehistoric Fort Ancient culture.
The earthwork may remain a mystery, but there’s no denying its beauty or allure. If you have the chance to visit, you absolutely should!
VasenkaPhotography / flickr
Have you ever visited the Serpent Mound? What were your thoughts on this fascinating earthwork in Ohio? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! For related content, check out these 9 additional earthworks in Ohio that will transport you back in time.
Roy Luck / flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Vicki Timman / flickr
Some experts believe that Serpent Mound served a religious or spiritual purpose while others think it may have been useful for the burial site, despite the fact that there are no gravesites nearby.
Posnov / Getty Images
Experts have wondered, then, if ancient people may have used the serpent to keep track of the seasons. Excavation efforts that took place starting in the 19th century have attributed the mound to one of two groups: the Early Woodland Adena culture or the Late Prehistoric Fort Ancient culture.
VasenkaPhotography / flickr
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Address: Serpent Mound, Bratton Township, OH 45660, USA
