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1000 BCE
The Adena Civilization
The Adena prospered and grew in Adena, Ohio. They build cone shaped mounds and animal shaped mounds for the dead, in which might have had religious meaning. They were primarily hunter gatherers due to the fact that their land had a surplus of fish, game, nuts, and berries, although some farming was done as well. The construction of many mounds showed that the Adena had deep respect for their dead.
This time period is significant because it was the first ever mound builder civilization. -
1000 BCE
The Early Woodland Period
The Early Woodland Period lasted from 1000 BC until 300 BC. This period was unique by its appearance of a more settled village life, cultivated plants, using more exotic raw materials, and the increasing skill of hunter-gathering. The mound builders were just beginning to plant its roots for further advancements and success, which is what makes this period so important. At the time villages were not as advanced in things such as architecture and arts. -
1000 BCE
The Beginning of the Mound Builders
The Mound Builders were not just one civilization; they were divided into three separate civilizations known as the Mound Builders altogether. Archaeologists acknowledged the mound builders in three cultural divisions: the Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian traditions. The first among these three civilizations was the Adena civilization. They were known for their construction of great mounds.
This event is significant because it marks the beginning of the mound builders. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 200 BCE
The Adena Culture
(Here to show the begin/end of the Adena) -
Period: 1000 BCE to Jan 1, 1000
The Woodland Period
(Here to show the begin/end of the Early and Late Woodland Period) -
300 BCE
Serpent Mound
Serpent Mound was one of the many great mound mounds built by the Adena. It represented a snake with a curled tail. This mound contributed to history when an excavation was done in 1991, and carbon dating was used to discover that the mound dated back to about 300 BC. Although some disagree and state that builders of Serpent Mound dated from about 1000-1500 AD. The construction date is not confirmed yet.
This event is important because Serpent Mound is now considered a major landmark. -
300 BCE
The Middle Woodland Period
The Middle Woodland Period lasted from 300 BC to 600 BC, and was basically the elaboration and intensification of developments that first began in the Early Woodland Period. Farming became more important, and mounds that were built were larger and varied more in shape. Art began to develop as well as artist began to use more exotic material to make it.
This period is significant because it was another time of great development for the mound builders, and the highest point of the Hopewell. -
200 BCE
The Hopewell Civilization
People living in the Ohio and Mississippi areas began a new cultural complex called the Hopewell. They too were also known for their earthen mounds, but unlike other civilizations lived in spaced/small farmstead/hamlets instead of cities. They had a highly developed social class structure, division of labor, religious system, and leaders with ranks and privileges. A trade system was developed and spread far north, west, and south.
The Hopewell is significant as described in the Woodland periods. -
Period: 200 BCE to Jan 1, 1000
The Hopewell Culture
(Here to show the begin/end of the Hopewell) -
100 BCE
Adena Mound
Adena Mound was built around 100 BC, and officially excavated in 1901. Its construction presumably began for a certain leader we do not know of. Over many generations, more burials were added to the mounds which increased its size to about 26 feet tall with 36 human remains. A radiocarbon test of bark at its very center was done to identify its age.
This event is important because it told us more about the mound builders' traditions, as to what clothing they wore about their artistry as well. -
100
Pharr Mounds
This site consists of eight tombs from the Middle Woodland period between 1 and 200 AD. Four of these tombs were excavated in 1966 by the National Park service. Its internal components were what stuck out the most.
This site is significant because it contained artifacts and human remains that contributed to what we knew before of the Middle Woodland period. -
Jan 1, 600
The Late Woodland Period
The Late Woodland Period lasted from 600 AD to about 1000 AD and marked many changes in culture. Late Woodland cultures ceased building great earthen tombs and important large quantities of exotic material. The decline in trade and travel caused many regions to diversify in their culture. Crops continued to be grown and corn was included. The bow and arrow was also a major innovation during this time period.
This event is important because the Hopewell began to die down, and new cultures arose. -
Jan 1, 1000
The Mississippian Civilization
During this time, mound building spread to the southeastern parts of the United States. Societies became highly developed, which included roads, commerce, cultural centers, and the construction of even great earthen mounds. The population was sustained by growing corns, beans, and squash.
This time period is very significant because it shows that the way of life was way more complex than the earlier Woodland periods, and how the mound builders advanced. -
Jan 1, 1000
Nanih Waiya Mound and Village
This mound has the typical form of a mound from the Mississippian Period with its rectangular, flat-topped form, although the mound's actual age is unknown. Nanih Waiya is a Chocktaw Indian name meaning "leaning hill." It was venerated by the tribe, and played a role in many legends.
This mound is significant because it contained pottery sherds which helped suggest a Middle Woodland time range (100 BC - 400 AD). -
Period: Jan 1, 1000 to
The Mississippian Civilization
(Here to show the begin/end of the Mississippians) -
Jan 1, 1100
Owl Creek Site
Five Mississippian period platform mounds were built at this particular site from 1100 to 1200 AD. Habitation debris in the areas between the tombs show that they might have been occupied on a long-term scale by a higher social class. This site was most likely only visited for ceremonies or on other special occasions.
This site is important because it contributes to what we know about the Mississippian civilization, and how its society was structured. -
Jan 1, 1500
The Europeans Arrive
In the 1500s, the Europeans first arrived in the mound builders region. Contact with the Europeans made the Native Americans lose their lands to them, and led to their downfall to epidemic diseases and contentions among themselves.
This event is significant because it marks the beginning of the end of the Mississippian civilization, the last of the mound builders. -
The End of the Mound Builders
When European explorers first came into contact with the mound builders and other Native Americans, several epidemic diseases such as chicken pox, measles, and small pox were introduced. These diseases eventually led to the devastation of native populations among the Southeast, which resulted in the societal structure of civilizations falling apart. This event is significant because it marked the end of the mound builders.
