Lab 4: Ocmulgee Indian Mounds: Who were the Mound-Builders?

The Ocmulgee National Monument represents over 17,000 years of human habitation in the Macon area. Many different people lived, farmed, traded, and fought on these lands, all the while forming a great civilization as evidenced by the earthworks still around today. The Mississippians Culture is responsible for the cultivation of this land and the creation of one of the largest trade networks in the ancient world, but who were the Mississippians?

The Mississippian Culture originated in the Mississippi River valley, with their oldest discovered earthwork dated at around 3500 BCE. The people moved and spread, forming small villages and cities all around the Southeastern United States. They built large earthwork fortifications against enemies, as well as temples and earth lodges for spiritual and political affairs.

The cultural history of this place is vast, with inhabitants from  900-1150 BCE they left a large number of artifacts behind to tell their story. Arrowheads, work tools, jars and other pottery all have been discovered within the park and point to a long scale habitation. The Ocmulgee National Park has given us modern day people a glimpse into the past, at how people used to live and their beliefs and practices. By looking into the past we can attempt to find out more about what it means to be a human in the here and now, and the Ocmulgee National Monument makes a profound statement about the longevity of Humanity and how even with the most basic tools and practices can create sophisticated works of architecture.