In Ohio, many of the sites associated with the Hopewell have been earthworks and ‘ceremonial’ sites, they have often included large structures with very little evidence of domestic activities.  Scholarly debate about these sites and their ancient inhabitants include theories about how these structures were actually used and where their builders lived.  Though evidence of habitation sites has been excavated, their interpretation is not clear.  Many scholars subscribe to the ‘vacant center’ theory with its associated small dispersed farmsteads as opposed to nucleated villages (Pacheco,1996).  From the limited number of domestic sites excavated it has been stated that the houses were generally square to rectangular, with an opening at each end.  The walls constructed of double rows of posts with the outer posts drawn in and connected to a central post.  Fire pits were located inside the house structure.  “Small dispersed farmsteads” (Pacheco 1996) might consist of 4-6 of these dwellings. 

The Archaeology We are Looking For

To contact us:

Dr Linda Barrett (Geography) ~ barrett@uakron.edu

Dr Timothy Matney (CSAA) ~ matney@uakron.edu

Dr Lisa Park (Geology) ~ lepark@uakron.edu