The Portsmouth Earthworks, located in Portsmouth, Ohio, are an ancient mound complex constructed by the Native American Adena and Ohio Hopewell cultures of eastern North America. These earthworks consist of extensive terraces, enormous mounds and ditches, long lines of parallel embankments, and models of animals on a gigantic scale. Constructed around 200 BCE to 500 CE, the site is significant for its size, complexity, and the level of engineering involved in its construction.

The Portsmouth Earthworks were originally part of a larger complex that stretched across the Ohio River into Kentucky. The remaining portion is located at Mound Park in Portsmouth, Ohio. The Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center houses an exhibit showcasing over 10,000 artifacts from the famous Wertz Collection related to these earthworks.

In addition to their historical and cultural significance, the Portsmouth Earthworks are also being considered for inclusion on UNESCOs World Heritage List as part of the Ancient Ohio Earthworks nomination. This would help protect and preserve this important site for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

As you journey through Mound Park in Portsmouth, Ohio, picture the ancient world where Native American Adena and Ohio Hopewell cultures thrived. Their impressive earthworks, constructed around 200 BCE to 500 CE, showcase extensive terraces, enormous mounds and ditches, long lines of parallel embankments, and models of animals on a grand scale.

Imagine the engineering prowess and dedication it must have taken to create such an intricate, sprawling complex that originally spanned across the Ohio River into Kentucky. The remaining portion in Portsmouth, Ohio is now a testament to this rich cultural history.

The Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center houses an exhibit featuring over 10,000 artifacts from the famous Wertz Collection related to these earthworks. This collection offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who built and utilized these sacred spaces for their ceremonial and spiritual practices.

As we stand here at the Portsmouth Earthworks, its important to recognize the significance of this site in terms of both its historical and cultural importance. The intricate design and impressive scale of these structures speak to the remarkable ingenuity and skill of the ancient cultures that constructed them.

Now, with efforts being made to include the Portsmouth Earthworks on UNESCOs World Heritage List as part of the Ancient Ohio Earthworks nomination, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting these sites for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

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