The wonder of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

Ohio is home to a remarkable archeological wonder, constructed by Indigenous ancestors thousands of years ago.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is recognized worldwide as a marvel of human ingenuity on par with the pyramids.

“Hopewell Earthworks: Stories Written on the Land,” is a six-part digital docuseries exploring the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

Part I

Who Were The Ancestral Builders You Were Never Taught About?

Built 2,000 years ago—long before the founding of the United States—the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the ancestors of many present-day tribes. But what do we truly know about the people who built them and why? 

Logan York, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, journeys to the Hopewell Mound Group in Chillicothe, Ohio, to explore these questions. 

Through conversations with archaeologists Bret Ruby, PhD, and Bradley Lepper, PhD, and interviews with Tribal representatives and scholars, Logan uncovers the cultural significance and enduring relevance of these sites—honoring those who lived, gathered, and built here generations ago.