Definition: The Etowah mounds is a group of large rammed earth mounds located on the Etowah River in northwestern Georgia in the southeastern United States. Etowah includes six major mounds, all built about AD 950 and abandoned by about 1600. The three sides of the Etowah group facing away from the river are surrounded by a large fortification ditch which once enclosed an area of 22 hectares and contained a palisade line.
The largest mound at Etowah, Mound A, is over 60 feet (19 meters) tall. It has a prominent ramp and a secondary mound associated with it. Mounds B and C are both large flat-topped pyramidal mounds between 6 and 7 meters tall each. Grave goods found within some of the mounds suggest that Etowah was part of the Southern Cult.
Other parts of the site include basin-shaped refuse pits, a large plaza and several small buildings.
The name Etowah is the Cherokee one (sometimes spelled Itawa or Italwa) for the mounds which may have been corrupted to create the English language name for the mounds: "Hightower". Etowah is part of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex or Southern Cult. Today Etowah is owned and managed by the State of Georgia, and open for visitors.
The largest mound at Etowah, Mound A, is over 60 feet (19 meters) tall. It has a prominent ramp and a secondary mound associated with it. Mounds B and C are both large flat-topped pyramidal mounds between 6 and 7 meters tall each. Grave goods found within some of the mounds suggest that Etowah was part of the Southern Cult.
Other parts of the site include basin-shaped refuse pits, a large plaza and several small buildings.
The name Etowah is the Cherokee one (sometimes spelled Itawa or Italwa) for the mounds which may have been corrupted to create the English language name for the mounds: "Hightower". Etowah is part of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex or Southern Cult. Today Etowah is owned and managed by the State of Georgia, and open for visitors.
Source
King, Adam 2003 Over a century of explorations at Etowah. Journal of Archaeological Research 11(3):279-306.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Itawa or Italwa (Cherokee)
