Some mounds were constructed around important public structures, such as temples. A temple would be built, then after a generation, destroyed and covered with earth. Some mounds were created to house burials. Some, such as the Great Serpent Mound in Ohio, are astronomical observations and are aligned with equinoxes or solstices. Some are effigy mounds, that is they are sculpted into representational forms, such as a giant bird. Mounds can be sites of elite houses, council houses, and temples and would be protected from flooding from nearby rivers.
a building large mounds on the earth
Some achievements of the Mississippian culture include the construction of elaborate earthwork mounds for ceremonial and residential purposes, the development of an extensive agricultural system based on corn, beans, and squash, and the creation of a complex social and political structure with a centralized authority. They also had a sophisticated trade network and created distinctive pottery and artwork.
They were known for their agriculture, art and mound building of ceremonial and burial sites.
hopewell or adena
The Kofun Period in Japan, which lasted from around the 3rd century to the 7th century, was characterized by the construction of large burial mounds called kofun. These mounds were built for elite individuals and contained grave goods such as weapons, armor, and pottery. The period also saw the emergence of a centralized royal authority and the introduction of new technologies and cultural influences from neighboring regions, such as China and Korea.
a building large mounds on the earth
Building large earthen mounds.
A paddock is an enclosed area for horses. Termites build mounds.
building large Earthen mounds
Some achievements of the Mississippian culture include the construction of elaborate earthwork mounds for ceremonial and residential purposes, the development of an extensive agricultural system based on corn, beans, and squash, and the creation of a complex social and political structure with a centralized authority. They also had a sophisticated trade network and created distinctive pottery and artwork.
large burial mounds
large mounds of cow, horse and donkey waste
"Earthworks were built for various purposes by heaping earth in piles and shaping them. Some of the earthworks were large burial mounds, others served as platforms for structures such as temples, and still others served as defensive walls. Mounds were usually cone-shaped, oval, or formed into the shape of an animal." -World History, Ellis Esler.
They were known for their agriculture, art and mound building of ceremonial and burial sites.
Researchers are uncertain as to why mounds were built in the shape of birds and snakes. Some theorize that this was because the people who built such mounds had great respect for these creatures.
Because they built large mounds for ceremonial and burial use.
Mississippian culture adopted the platform mound architectural style from Mexican culture. This style featured flat-topped earthen mounds used for ceremonial and administrative purposes. The platform mounds were often accompanied by plazas and other structures, reflecting the influence of Mesoamerican architectural traditions.