Newark Earthworks (Great Circle)

  The Newark Earthworks, located in Newark, Ohio, represent one of the most significant remnants of prehistoric Native American culture in the United States. Among the most striking features of this complex is the Great Circle Earthworks, a massive earthen enclosure that continues to captivate archaeologists, historians, and visitors alike. Historical Background Constructed by the Hopewell culture between 100 BCE and 400 CE, the Newark Earthworks originally spanned more than four square miles. This vast ceremonial center included geometric enclosures, mounds, and causeways carefully aligned with lunar and solar events. The Hopewell people, known for their artistry and engineering skill, left behind no written records, but their earthworks speak volumes about their sophistication and spiritual worldview. The Great Circle, one of the largest surviving portions of the Newark complex, is a perfect example of this ingenuity. Measuring about 1,200 feet in diameter, the Great Circle was b...