Ceremonial Gatherings

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A discussion of the ways the geometric earthworks may have been used, and how gatherings there were probably multi-purposed.

Fire

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The role of fire in the builders' treatments of deposited items, burials, and the burning down of buildings before mounds or earthworks were raised.

Hopewell Hilltops

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The nature and variety of Hopewell hilltop enclosures, suggesting how and why they were built.

Burning Things

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Comparative religion scholar Dr. David Cave discusses the meaning of community ritual burning of meaningful objects across cultures.

Sacred Landscape

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Archaeologist Dr. Mark Seeman discusses the relation between the hills and valleys of the Ohio River landscape and the formations of the earthworks and mounds.

Reincarnation

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Archaeologist Dr. James Brown explains how the earthworks may have been scenes of ritual adoption and the spiritual reincarnation of revered ancestors.

Deposits

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A discussion of the practice, and examples, of Hopewell interment of precious objects and materials in the earth.

The Cosmological Plan

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Dr. James Brown suggests that the geometric earthworks reflected the cosmos on earth, allowing potential enemies to meet within a common order.

Elaboration and Ritual

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Dr. David Cave explores the reasons for the great size and elaboration in ritual grounds and preparations, across cultures.

Hopewell Interaction Sphere

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Dr. Robert Hall describes the nature of the trade networks and other influences that had Hopewell ideas going far across the continent.

Circle of Life

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Shawnee Chief Frank Wilson talks about walking the medicine wheel of life with its four gateways.

World Renewal

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Archaeologist DeeAnne Wymer explains why some Hopewell deposits suggest the traditional ceremonies of world renewal, still celebrated by many Native American tribes.