A hidden gem in Ohio becomes newest UNESCO World Heritage Site

Photo from hopewellearthworks/Instagram

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has bestowed its prestigious designation upon the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a complex of ancient Native American earth mounds located in southern Ohio. This newly appointed World Heritage Site is now one of the 25 recognized heritage sites in the United States and the first in Ohio.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is not your typical World Heritage Site. It lacks the grandeur of iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China, but it nevertheless is deep in historical significance.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is a collection of eight archaeological sites scattered across Ohio’s landscape. These sites are home to a series of enormous earth mounds built by Indigenous peoples of the Hopewell tradition between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago.

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The significance of these earthworks extends beyond their impressive construction. Artifacts discovered at these sites provide invaluable insights into the pre-Columbian Native American cultures that once thrived here.

These artifacts include finely crafted ritual objects made from materials not commonly traded over 2,000 years ago, hinting at the far-reaching interactions between communities in eastern North America.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks not only showcase the engineering prowess of ancient Indigenous societies but also serve as a symbol of their rich heritage, combating stereotypes and misrepresentations.

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While this UNESCO recognition doesn’t provide immediate financial benefits, it has the potential to draw global tourists, educating them about the cultural significance of these earthworks and elevating the heritage of Indigenous peoples.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks’ UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the enduring legacy of ancient Native American cultures and their remarkable achievements in engineering and culture, inviting future generations to explore and appreciate this unique historical treasure.