Illustrations by Nola Davis

-The Low Temple Mound- Archaeologists have identified this mound as the Low Temple Mound based on its similarity to other known Temple Mound

sites. Evidence suggests that the Temple Mound reached a maximum of 10 ft. in height and measured 140 x 90ft. in area.

Archaeological evidence at this site and similar mound sites indicates that Temple Mounds were raised over long periods of

time, perhaps several centuries. Structural remains of at least 2 deliberately destroyed structures were found beneath this mound.

Extensive erosion may have destroyed evidence of structures above this platform, but excavation at this site and elsewhere has

revealed that specialized temple structures were often built on these mounds. Generally, mound building occurred in 3 stages: (1)

the periodic ceremonial destruction of Temple structures, often by fire; (2) the “mounding” of earth over the destroyed structure;

and (3) the building of new temples atop the newly enlarged mound. Archaeologists continue to speculate over why the temples

were ceremonially destroyed. Changes in the tribal political system, death of important individuals or astrological phenomena were

all considered to be possible reasons. The cultural significance and time period between such events however remains unknown.