Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is part of the Tentative list of United States of America in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is a series of monumental earthworks constructed by the Ohio Hopewell culture during the Woodland Period in North America (1-1000 CE). The earth walls of these enclosures are among the largest earthworks in the world that are not fortifications or defensive structures. Artifacts identified at these earthworks indicate the sites were important ceremonial centers that interacted with communities in much of eastern North America.
Map of Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
Load mapThe coordinates shown for all tentative sites were produced as a community effort. They are not official and may change on inscription.
Community Reviews
Bob Sholis
Ilive very close to the Earthworks in Newark, Ohio. They are an incredible testimony to ancient civilization, and are worthy of much more appreciation and astonishment.
Jeff Gill
Having had the privilege of leading group tours and school groups around the Newark Earthworks for years, I never fail to be delighted and amazed by how these mounds and enclosures affect those who visit. Some come from far away with long considered intent, and their knowledge and passion are always inspiring, but I really enjoy the reaction from people who have been driving past the mounds for their whole lives, and then "come to visit," and you see them open up to the site and the stories within. There's a look on their faces as they start to take in what they've long seen but not noticed -- World Heritage status will enhance & increase that experience.
Christine Ballengee Morris
The Newark Earthworks are incredible. The Octagon structure, at night, illustrates the lunar calendar constructs. The Great Circle is smaller in size but easy to access and includes a small museum. I have enjoyed many earth structure in the United States, Brazil, Ireland, and Portugal and the Hopewell structures are worth visiting.
Amy Martin
The Great Octagon - the finest example of an ancient lunar observatory. This site represents a milestone in human understanding of the solar system. No other lunar site in the world is so sophisticated or well preserved. It is one of the easiest earthworks to access and so present a prime opportunity to bring this little known chapter in human development to the public eye.
Keith Warren
United States of America - 16-Jan-11 -
I've visited the Newark Earthworks on more than one occasion. They are simply astonishing--both enormous and mysterious. As reminders of a great and yet poorly understood period of Native American culture they are unparalleled.
Laraine Tumblin
I have visited the Newark Earthworks in Newark, Ohio and they truly are a wonder of the ancient world. The enormity of the Great Circle and Octagon astounded me and I will never forget the feeling I had when I first walked within the walls of these two sites.
I encourage everyone to visit!
Site Info
- Full Name
- Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
- Country
- United States of America
- Added
- 2008
- Nominated for
- 2023
- Type
- Cultural
- Link
- By ID
Site History
2008 Added to Tentative List
Site Links
Visitors
11 Community Members have visited.