The Great Serpent Mound

The Great Serpent Mound: An Archaeological and Historical Overview

The Great Serpent Mound, located in Peebles, Ohio, stands as a preeminent example of prehistoric effigy mounds in North America. This effigy mound, extending 1,348 feet in length and reaching heights of up to three feet, is situated on the Serpent Mound crater plateau, overlooking the Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio. Recognized as the largest serpent effigy globally, the mound’s construction and purpose have intrigued researchers and historians for centuries.

Historical Surveys and Recognition

The first comprehensive surveys of the Great Serpent Mound were conducted by Ephraim G. Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis, culminating in their publication, “Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley” (1848), under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. This foundational work marked the beginning of formal academic interest in the mound. In 1966, the United States Department of the Interior designated the mound as a National Historic Landmark, acknowledging its significance in American prehistory. The Ohio History Connection, a nonprofit organization, currently maintains the site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Description and Structure

The Great Serpent Mound is characterized by its unique shape, which mirrors the undulating form of a serpent. The mound’s dimensions are impressive, with a length of approximately 1,376 feet and a width varying between 20 and 25 feet, depending on the section. Constructed primarily from yellowish clay and ash, with a reinforcing layer of rocks and soil, the mound features a triple-coiled tail and an open-mouth head nearly engulfing a hollow oval feature. This oval is interpreted by some as representing an egg, the sun, or the body of a frog, reflecting the diverse interpretations of the mound’s symbolism.

Origin and Chronology

The construction of the Great Serpent Mound has been a subject of debate among archaeologists and anthropologists. Initial radiocarbon dating suggested an association with the Adena culture around 300 BC. However, subsequent research and refined radiocarbon dates have indicated that the mound may have been built around 2,100–2,300 years ago during the Adena period and later renovated around 1100 AD by the Fort Ancient peoples. Despite these findings, some scholars, such as archaeologist Brad Lepper, have questioned the attribution to the Adena culture, citing the lack of effigy mounds and serpent symbolism in Adena art. Instead, Lepper and others argue that the Fort Ancient culture, known for their serpent depictions, is a more likely candidate for the mound’s construction.

Prehistory of Ohio

The region now known as Ohio was inhabited by various groups of Paleo-Indians before the development of the Adena and Hopewell cultures. These early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who relied on large game, such as mastodons, for sustenance. The Woodland Period, which followed, saw the emergence of more complex societies that engaged in agriculture and constructed elaborate earthworks and mounds, often for religious or burial purposes. The Adena and Hopewell cultures, flourishing during the Early and Middle Woodland periods, were particularly noted for their mound-building activities.

The Adena and Fort Ancient Cultures

The Adena culture, thriving between 800 BC and 1 AD, was concentrated in the Ohio River valley and is distinguished by its burial mounds and ritual practices. The Fort Ancient Culture, existing from 1000 AD to 1750 AD, inhabited a similar region but is not believed to have constructed the Great Serpent Mound, although they may have maintained it.

Interpretations and Astronomical Alignments

Various interpretations of the Great Serpent Mound’s purpose have been proposed, ranging from astronomical alignments to symbolic representations of cosmological beliefs. Some researchers suggest that the mound could have been inspired by astronomical events, such as the appearance of a supernova or Halley’s Comet. Additionally, the mound’s location on an ancient meteorite impact structure adds another layer of complexity to its interpretation.

Preservation and Excavation

Efforts to preserve the Great Serpent Mound began in earnest in the late 19th century, spearheaded by individuals such as Frederic Ward Putnam of Harvard University. Excavations have revealed artifacts from both the Adena and Hopewell cultures, providing valuable insights into the mound’s history and the peoples who interacted with it.

Conclusion

The Great Serpent Mound remains an enigmatic symbol of prehistoric North America, embodying the complex interplay between culture, religion, and astronomy that characterized the ancient societies of the Ohio River valley. Despite ongoing debates regarding its origins and purpose, the mound continues to be a focal point for archaeological research and public interest, representing a tangible link to the continent’s distant past.