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Secrets Of Ohio’s Ancient Stone Circle Observatories

Published:

by Dona Kearney

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Have you ever wondered about the mysteries hidden in Ohio? One of the most intriguing secrets lies in its ancient stone circle observatories. These fascinating structures, built by Native American cultures, have puzzled historians and archaeologists for years. Why did they construct these circles? How did they align them so precisely with celestial events? Exploring these questions can take you on a journey through time, revealing the advanced knowledge and skills of these early inhabitants. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, Ohio's stone circles offer a glimpse into a world long past, yet still very much alive in the landscape today.

Secrets of Ohio's Ancient Stone Circle Observatories

Ohio is home to some of the most fascinating ancient stone circle observatories in North America. These mysterious structures, built by ancient cultures, offer a glimpse into the past and the astronomical knowledge of the people who constructed them. Let's explore some of these intriguing sites.

1. Newark Earthworks

The Newark Earthworks, located in Newark, Ohio, are among the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Built by the Hopewell culture between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D., these earthworks include a massive octagon and a circle that align with lunar events.

  • Key Features: Octagon Earthworks, Great Circle Earthworks
  • Significance: Aligns with lunar cycles, used for ceremonial purposes

2. Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, is one of the most famous effigy mounds in the world. This prehistoric structure, shaped like a serpent, stretches over 1,300 feet and is believed to have been built by the Adena culture around 1000 B.C.

  • Key Features: Serpent-shaped mound, head aligns with summer solstice sunset
  • Significance: Possible astronomical and ceremonial purposes

3. Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient, situated in Warren County, is a prehistoric hilltop enclosure built by the Hopewell culture around 1000 B.C. This site features earthen walls and gateways that align with solar and lunar events, making it an ancient observatory.

  • Key Features: Earthen walls, gateways
  • Significance: Aligns with solstices and equinoxes, used for gatherings and ceremonies

4. High Bank Works

High Bank Works, located near Chillicothe, is another impressive Hopewell earthwork complex. This site includes a large circle and octagon, similar to the Newark Earthworks, and is believed to have been used for astronomical observations.

  • Key Features: Circle and octagon earthworks
  • Significance: Aligns with lunar cycles, used for ceremonial purposes

5. Mound City Group

The Mound City Group, also near Chillicothe, consists of 23 earthen mounds built by the Hopewell culture. These mounds are arranged in a rectangular pattern and are believed to have been used for both burial and astronomical purposes.

  • Key Features: 23 earthen mounds, rectangular layout
  • Significance: Used for burials, possible astronomical alignments

6. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, located in Ross County, encompasses several ancient earthwork sites, including the Mound City Group and High Bank Works. This park offers a comprehensive look at the Hopewell culture and their astronomical knowledge.

  • Key Features: Multiple earthwork sites, visitor center
  • Significance: Preserves Hopewell culture, educational opportunities

7. Seip Earthworks

Seip Earthworks, located in Ross County, is another significant Hopewell site. This complex includes a large circle, a square, and a smaller circle, all of which align with astronomical events.

  • Key Features: Circle, square, smaller circle
  • Significance: Aligns with solstices and equinoxes, used for ceremonies

8. Great Circle Earthworks

The Great Circle Earthworks, part of the Newark Earthworks complex, is a massive circular enclosure with an inner ditch and an outer embankment. This structure is believed to have been used for ceremonial and astronomical purposes.

  • Key Features: Circular enclosure, inner ditch, outer embankment
  • Significance: Used for ceremonies, possible astronomical alignments

9. Octagon Earthworks

The Octagon Earthworks, also part of the Newark Earthworks, is an octagonal enclosure connected to a circular earthwork. This structure aligns with the 18.6-year lunar cycle, showcasing the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Hopewell culture.

  • Key Features: Octagonal enclosure, circular earthwork
  • Significance: Aligns with lunar cycles, used for ceremonies

10. Fort Hill Earthworks

Fort Hill Earthworks, located in Highland County, is a hilltop enclosure built by the Hopewell culture. This site features earthen walls and gateways that align with solar events, making it an ancient observatory.

  • Key Features: Earthen walls, gateways
  • Significance: Aligns with solstices and equinoxes, used for gatherings and ceremonies

Ohio's Ancient Stone Circles: A Timeless Mystery

Ohio's ancient stone circles continue to fascinate and puzzle historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike. These structures, built with remarkable precision, offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region's early inhabitants. Visiting these sites provides a unique opportunity to connect with a distant past and appreciate the ingenuity of ancient cultures.

Whether you're an avid history buff or simply curious, exploring these stone circles can be a rewarding experience. They stand as a testament to human creativity and the desire to understand the cosmos. As you walk among the stones, imagine the rituals and observations that once took place there. Ohio's ancient stone circles are more than just historical landmarks; they are windows into a world long gone, yet still very much alive in our collective imagination.