The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, an ancient network of Native American ceremonial and burial mounds in Ohio, has been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. This site is often described as “part cathedral, part cemetery, and part astronomical observatory.” Preservationists, led by the Ohio History Connection, along with Indigenous tribes with ancestral ties to the region, have advocated for the recognition of these earthworks due to their excellent condition, unique style, and cultural significance. The AP reports that they are regarded as “masterpieces of human genius.” During a meeting in Saudi Arabia, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee approved the application, placing the massive earthworks alongside renowned sites like Greece’s Acropolis, Peru’s Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China.
The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks were constructed by Native Americans between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago along the central tributaries of the Ohio River. These earthworks served as gathering places for ceremonies that attracted people from across the continent. Archaeological discoveries reveal that raw materials were brought from as far as the Rocky Mountains, emphasizing the significance of these gatherings. Evidence of intricate ceremonial practices connected to the “order and rhythms of the cosmos” can be seen in the discovery of beautiful ritual objects, religious icons, and regalia at the sites.
The earthworks span 90 miles throughout southern Ohio and consist of eight distinct sites. They stand out for their massive scale, geometric precision, and accurate astronomical features. For instance, they encode all eight lunar standstills over an 18.6-year cycle. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed her belief that the inclusion of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks on the World Heritage Site list will increase global awareness of this important aspect of American history.
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