Ohio Archaeology: An Illustrated Chronicle Of Ohio's Ancient American Indian Cultures

by Bradley T. Lepper

More than 12,000 years ago, American Indians discovered the lands we now call Ohio. By the time Europeans arrived in this continent, Ohio's indigenous peoples had become successful farmers living in large, circular villages along broad river valleys. Ohio's rich archaeological heritage has captivated generations of scholars and scientists. Yet, archaeologists over the past few decades have made new discoveries that are revolutionizing out understanding of these American Indian cultures and their achievements. Ohio Archaeology chronicles these landmark discoveries in a book written by Dr. Bradley T. Lepper, Curator of Archaeology of the Ohio Historical Society. Dr. Lepper presents this fascinating story in six, chronological chapters based on the major archaeological periods. With top regional scholars contributing 28 feature articles, Ohio Archaeology also looks at the state's early archaeological history. Written in an engaging and understandable style, this epochal story is beautifully illustrated with over 340 photographs, original artworks, maps, timelines and graphics. Ohio Archaeology is a valuable resource for readers, teachers and students who want to learn more about the lifeways and legacies of the first Ohioans. The Ohio Archaeology book is one of four components to the Ohio Archaeology project, a collaborative initiative led by Voyageur Media Group, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation of public media about science, history and culture. The Ohio Archaeology project includes the development of this companion book, the "Ancient Ohio" art series and a companion website for the delivery of educational materials.

Genres: Nonfiction, Archaeology, History

300 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jim Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in elementary school, I was in the family attic looking at boxes of books that my Mother had collected in the 1930’s and 1940’s. One of them was a peculiar red-covered book that had the word “Tombs” in the title. It began with a tale of opening a previously undiscovered tomb in Egypt ... and of the unseen “nasties” in the foul air that soon sickened the explorers because they had been unaware of the harmful effects of air left uncirculated in such places.

I was enthralled.

I would love to find that book again and discover if it was written in a sensationalist style or whether it was intended as a serious study. (I suspect the former if it held my attention at a time when my reading often consisted of the latest paperback adventure of DOC SAVAGE by Kenneth Robeson.) But, no matter. I’ve been following adventures of archeologists ever since.

OHIO ARCHEOLOGY: AN ILLUSTRATED CHRONICLE OF OHIO’S ANCIENT AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURES spoke directly to that amateur Indiana Jones within me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ohio has long been recognized for the sheer number of Indian mounds spanning across the state, from small circles only a few feet high to the massive and mysterious effigy of Serpent Mound. Three periods saw the rise of the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient cultures (not tribal names) that produced astonishing artwork, societal creation, astronomical tools, and communal gathering spaces that attracted tribes from many areas of the Northeast and Southeast.

Lavishly illustrated with photographs and reproductions (though intentionally not of human remains), the book is written for the Reader who is interested in learning more about the first arrivals to Ohio (during the Paleoindian Period) through the Late Prehistoric Period when contact with Europeans had devastating results (primarily from disease). Although it provides excellent detail, it is not written in a dry or overly technical style at all, and many noted experts who have studied the sites to learn more about the cultures provided short articles. (Ultimately, archeologists know more about how the people in these cultures died rather than how they lived.)

Timelines are provided for each of six Periods, detailing historical discoveries in Ohio, and contrasting them with what was going on in North America and the World at the same time. So, I learned that Cleopatra reigned at the time the Newark Octagon Earthworks were created ... a 40-minute drive from my home (named as one of the 70 Wonders of the Ancient World).

It was fascinating to read of conflicting interpretations of what has been found, the cultural development of an “us versus them” mentality ... and the possible situations that lead to the rise of what we know in today’s business world as “managers.” There are also discussions of Native American concerns regarding the opening of burial grounds and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Of 1990. Especially saddening is the recounting of sites (and knowledge) that have been lost through haphazard diggings and the expansion of building development.

The book has me excited to do some site visits of my own this Spring and Summer. In fact, that is the sole omission that I wish had been included ... a listing of sites that are open to the public. Still, this was a wonderful read that has spurred my curiosity and become a treasured addition to my library.

[Erin Ruggiero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite interesting and accessible history of prehistoric Ohio. Very cool.

[Mike Renz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Leper and the contributors lay out an organized chronology that anyone can follow. After reading this book, you will have a coherent and succinct understanding of the pre-history of Ohio. The illustrations are fantastic as well.

For those of us who live in Ohio, reading this book gives you a sense of connection to the land you live on. Landscapes, like people have history - and to really know and understand a place, you need to know that history. I think this should be required reading at the high school level in the state.

I will add this. One of the many things I admire about Dr. Leper as both a writer and a scientist, is his ability to communicate with the public in clear terms. Moreover, Dr. Leper is accessible, engaging and personable.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the "go-to" book for those interested in getting familiar with Ohio's Prehistory (the other being Indian Mounds of the Middle Ohio Valley by McDonald and Woodward). It is written by Ohio archaeologists, covering all of the major themes, topics, and events through prehistory. Heck, it was even my textbook back when I took a college class on Ohio Archaeology, so that should tell you 1) how few books succinctly cover this topic and 2) how well this book covers its content.

For a full discussion of this and other coffee table books, check out the book review podcast "From the Archives": https://anchor.fm/anthropologyarchive....

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just moved to Ohio, I was curious to get into the history of the state. I think most people assume that America doesn't have much of an ancient history, just because we don't have any writing system from the time which recorded the civilizations. Which makes it even more important, I believe, to try to stay informed of the history in the area around us. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pictures are beautiful and it is packed with detailed information about archaeology and history of Ohio. It's even given me a wishlist of places to visit soon.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the pictures, good, basic introduction, gave me lots of ideas of places to visit and a better understanding of history. Does feel dated (which is understandable, looks like it was published in 2005 - I'll probably start looking at "Newark Earthworks: Enduring Monuments, Contested Meanings (2016) next) and sometimes, as a total amateur to the subject matter, I was unable to tell between assumptions based on a broader understanding of archaeology and assumptions based on imaginings from the author's perspective.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best popular non-fiction books I've ever read. The language is simple, the ideas profound. Illustrations immerse you and make you feel like you're walking through a museum.

The only downside? It makes me itch to visit more Ohio sites...currently impossible. I'll just have to go on a roadtrip with book in hand when the world is more sane.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided as background for an Archaeological Conservancy tour of the southern Ohio mounds that my husband and I are taking next month. Very nicely done-covers a lot of info in an interesting manner. Tons of illustrations, maps, and charts. I feel ready for the tour.

[Donovan Colegrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting. Starting to feel dated and could probably use a next edition. For someone who has never explored Ohio archaeology, this book is a great read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional survey of our understanding of the lives of the peoples who occupied the lands of modern day Ohio prior to European contact. Beautiful photographs, detailed maps, historical references, accessible prose, and essays by noted archeologists make this a very enjoyable read and reference book. It is difficult for me to imagine any reader is not inspired to learn more about Ohio prehistory and to want to see the sites and artifacts for themselves. Highly recommended.

[Abby]

Two weeks before the new school year, I at last finish up my Archeology reading from last semester... Seriously though, this is a very readable survey of Ohio's prehistory. Possibly a little too readable- many of the author's flights of fancy into the lives of prehistoric peoples are more entertaining than necessarily accurate. On the whole, though, it is one of my favorite assigned reads. Loved the pictures and the "coffee table book" layout!

[Tim Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite interesting - Written by the curator of Archaeology for the Ohio Historical Society - it shares what is known and unknown about Ohio native americans of the Paleoindian Period; Archaic Period; Early, Middle and Late Woodland Periods and the Late Prehistoric Periods. Encompassing 14,000 to 400 BP. Much attention is given to the Mounds in Ohio and some of the history of Archaeology in Ohio. Very enjoyable, an easy read.

[Lanette]

Ok, I'll probably never actually READ this book, but it was written by Stephen's Uncle Brad, so I had to include it on my list! :-)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of wonderful information in very readable and understandable language. Best book I have read about Ohio's early, middle, and woodland Indians.