Native Americans constructed impressive structures (referred to as Indian mounds) throughout the state of Georgia for over 4,000 years. This building activity occurred across three separate archaeological time periods: the Archaic period, the Woodland period, and the Mississippian period.
The first monumental constructions, the Sapelo Shell Ring complex, were built along the Atlantic coast during the Archaic period. In fact, these structures are older than the pyramids in Egypt! These Native Americans also created some of the earliest pottery ever found in North America.
The next major constructions, Rock Eagle and Rock Hawk, were not built until the Woodland period. Along with these bird effigy mounds, other constructions during this time period include mysterious stone walls such as Fort Mountain encircling the tops of many north Georgia mountains and the first major site to include truncated pyramid mounds-- Kolomoki (in southwest Georgia.) Kolomoki's inhabitants also created designs on pottery indicating a detailed knowledge of astronomy!
This building activity reached its height during the Mississippian period when more and larger truncated pyramid mounds, temple mounds, funeral mounds and circular earth lodges were constructed at places such as Ocmulgee and Etowah. This explosion of monumental building occurred after a new religious cult entered the southeast originating possibly in Mexico.
So come along and join us for the epic story of Georgia's Native Americans. Each site features several multimedia elements including a short video, 360 degree interactive panoramas, 3D computer animations, and an image gallery.
You can follow the story in chronological order or jump to the site that interests you most. Since we continually update this exhibit based on the latest research, please bookmark our site now to come back again and again to stay up-to-date on Georgia's Moundbuilders.
Georgia's Native American Pyramid Builders This exhibit and companion CD-ROM have been awarded the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award by the Georgia Historical Society.
One of the oldest and largest Archaic archaeological sites in Georgia features massive shell mound constructions and evidence of some of the earliest pottery in North America.
Ancient Architects of Georgia CD-ROM Learn about the accomplishments of Georgia's Native American architects through videos, Quicktime VR, 3D computer animations and more.
Winner of Georgia Historical Society's Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award!
This Native American pyramid site with an imposing truncated-pyramid mound and large central plaza would be one of the first such sites in Georgia.
Above: Watch an excerpt from the Lost Worlds: Georgia DVD. Click here to learn more about the DVD or for purchasing information. All sales help fund future videos and exhibits. Buy today or make a donation and help support LostWorlds.org!
This site is not only the crowning achievement of the Mississippians in Georgia but also one of the four most important Mississippians sites in North America with one of the largest Native American pyramids in America.
