Fort Ancient, Archaeological park in Lebanon, United States.
Fort Ancient is a prehistoric earthwork complex in Ohio covering roughly 100 acres with several miles of wall structures positioned along a river. The walls vary in height and arrangement, revealing different construction phases that unfolded over a long period.
The complex was built by the Hopewell culture between 200 BC and 400 AD, representing a major accomplishment of that early civilization. Long after its construction, the site was later used as a military outpost during conflicts in the region.
The name comes from a fort built here centuries after the earthworks, creating an interesting disconnect with its true origins. Today you can observe how the land was shaped as a gathering place for ceremonies and community activities.
The site has marked walking paths that connect different parts of the complex and provide information at various points along the way. It is located in a park setting with parking and access to a museum displaying artifacts and detailed background information.
The original purpose of the site remains partly mysterious, though archaeologists suspect it was designed for ceremonies or astronomical observation. The precise alignment of the walls suggests that tracking the sky may have played an important role.
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