Eli5: why are there no ancient monumental structures in present day US?

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Mexico and Central America have plenty of ancient, monumental structures (e.g., Chichen Itza). But the continental US and Canada do not. Why?

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18 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

There are HUNDREDS of monumental structures, mostly centered in south/central Ohio, into Indiana and Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia—but also in the Mississippi Valley farther south in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas.

The Ohio River Valley was the cultural center of the Hopewell tradition, arguably the most advanced ancient civilization in North America—and Southern Ohio was the epicenter of ceremonial and cultural monument building.

Ohio’s ancient earthworks just gained UNESCO certification, they are astounding monuments. The Newark earthworks are HUGE, and one aligns with the 18 year moon cycle. Very advanced and precisely laid out, the monuments display just how wise and observant the ancient Natives really were.

Many earthworks have been destroyed, in Ohio only about 20% remain, but there are still enough preserved in local, state, and national parks and preserves to where you can spend a week traveling and visiting them and still not see them all.

Serpent Mound in Ohio is an incredible and mystical place to visit. There is debate on how old the monument is, but it is well over 1000 years old at least, and it is truly magnificent. It’s hard to visit such a place and not feel something visceral and deep within yourself.

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