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Great Serpent Mound

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description Great Serpent Mound Overview

The Great Serpent Mound is an ancient geoglyph located in Ohio. It’s a large earthen mound shaped like a serpent, measuring over one thousand feet long and representing a significant example of Native American earthwork construction. Constructed by the Adena culture around 100 BCE, it offers insight into their beliefs and practices. Archaeologists and those interested in ancient history study this remarkable site.

help Great Serpent Mound FAQ

Where is the Great Serpent Mound located and how can I visit it?

The Great Serpent Mound is located in Adams County, Ohio, along Ohio Brush Creek, and is preserved as Serpent Mound State Memorial. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public with an interpretive trail running along the effigy.

Who built the Great Serpent Mound and how old is it?

The mound has historically been attributed to the Adena culture (circa 1000 BC–100 AD), but some radiocarbon studies have suggested possible construction by the later Fort Ancient culture (circa 1000–1750 AD). The dating remains debated, with different studies producing conflicting results.

How long is the Great Serpent Mound?

The effigy measures approximately 1,348 feet (about 411 meters) in length, making it the largest serpent effigy mound in the world. The serpent's body undulates in sweeping curves and terminates in a coiled tail, with an oval shape near the head that is often interpreted as an egg, sun, or prey being consumed.

What was the purpose of the Great Serpent Mound?

The exact purpose remains unknown, but researchers have proposed ceremonial, spiritual, and astronomical functions. Some studies suggest that alignments of the serpent's coils correspond to solstice sunrise and sunset points, though this interpretation is debated among archaeologists.

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