Ancient Civilizations of North America Season 1 Episode 9 The Hopewell and Their Massive Earthworks

In season 1 episode 9 of Ancient Civilizations of North America, viewers are taken on a journey exploring the fascinating world of the Hopewell people and their massive earthworks.

The episode begins by introducing the Hopewell civilization, a group of native people who lived in what is now Ohio from approximately 100 BC to 500 AD. Despite the fact that there is limited information about their culture, what is known about the Hopewell is impressive.

The show delves into the Hopewell's incredible earthworks, which are among the most amazing archaeological finds in North America. The Hopewell constructed these earthen structures by moving tens of thousands of tons of earth with simple tools. They created massive geometric shapes like squares and octagons, along with conical earthen mounds that range in height from just a few feet to over 60 feet tall.

Archaeologists have been studying these earthworks for decades in an effort to determine just what the Hopewell were using them for. They've found evidence of human burials, suggesting that the earthworks were likely used as sacred and ceremonial sites. Some experts also believe that the shapes and alignments may have functioned as astronomical observatories, allowing the Hopewell to track the movements of the stars and planets.

The episode also explores the Hopewell's artwork, which is some of the most intricate and beautiful of any ancient civilization. They created stunning pieces like intricate copper plates, exotic animal figurines, and even delicate jewelry crafted from organic materials like pearls, bones, and teeth. These objects are considered to be some of the most valuable pieces of ancient North American art and are highly prized by collectors and museums alike.

The Hopewell were also skilled traders, sharing their art, ideas, and theories with other ancient cultures. They traded with groups from all across North America, including people in modern-day Wisconsin, New York, and the Gulf Coast of Florida. This trade was not just materials; it also allowed the exchange of ideas, which helped to spread knowledge and ideas to different groups of people.

But despite their talents, the episode explains how the Hopewell civilization may have experienced a decline after hundreds of years. It is still not clear why they disappeared, but one theory suggests that the Hopewell's existence was greatly impacted by changes in climate, disease, and other environmental factors. However, the show concludes that the legacy of the Hopewell people and their earthworks lives on today and continues to inspire people all over North America.

Overall, season 1 episode 9 of Ancient Civilizations of North America provides a fascinating glimpse into the majestic world of the Hopewell civilization, their stunning earthworks, and their incredible artistic and intellectual contributions to North American history.