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Newark Earthworks

Evidence of prehistoric cultures abounds in Ohio. The Newark Earthworks were the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Built by the people archaeologists refer to as the Hopewell culture between 100 BCE and 500 ACE, these geometric earthworks once were part of an elaborate system of structures that spread over four square miles. Today, only remnants remain including the Great Circle Earthworks, Octagon Earthworks, and Wright Earthworks.

Archaeologists are not certain as to the original purpose of the earthworks, but theorize that it was part cathedral, part cemetery, and part astronomical observatory. The structures may have been sits for social or ceremonial occasions, or they may have marked astronomical alignments.