Serpent Mound

The Great Serpent Mound is one of the more than 50 known gestalt-like artificial mound ( Mound ) that mimic animals. The mounds are also known under the name of Effigy Mounds. The Great Serpent Mound is located in the U.S. state of Ohio and is one of the most famous Mounds in the United States. The word serpent in the name refers to the general presumption that he is a snake.

The Great Serpent Mound was discovered in 1846 by Ephraim George Squier and Edwin H. Davis during a land survey and subsequently extensively documented. 1848 appeared the book Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, a detailed map and a description of the Mound was attached.

Origin, Purpose and Structure

The period of development is estimated to 960-1200 AD, although there are estimates of a much earlier origin was. In all likelihood, it was built by the former tribes of alumina to meet a ceremonial purpose.

The surviving to 1200 BC AD in the east of the present-day United States in the period of 1000 people called Moundbuilders. Very little is known about them, as most finds are heavily weathered due to the weather. However, it is generally believed that the Adena culture is the Great Serpent Mound was built.

The mound is 380 m long, 6 m wide and 1.2 m high. It is believed that with him a serpent is represented holding an egg between their jaws in order to then devour this. The snake looks here as if she wanted to unroll just to davonzugleiten. Seven body turns are already open, but the rearmost part is still rolled up in three turns. Despite a number of other theories to represent himself has said as the most recognized can prevail in the professional world.

In the so-called egg of the snake researchers found a circle of blackened stones. It is therefore assumed that the Great Serpent Mound served a ceremonial purpose. Although graves have been found in the vicinity of this Mounds, were in the mound itself no graves, remains of humans or any other evidence that points to burial sites, were identified.

The Mound today

The Mound is a tourist attraction because of its popularity and size. Near the Mounds is a small museum, an observation tower and a car park. The mound is located on a cliff from which one can look out of the Bush Creek valley.

2008, the Great Serpent Mound was proposed by the U.S. federal government for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.