mound builder
"Mound builders" refer to various pre-Columbian Indigenous cultures in North America known for constructing large earthen mounds for a variety of purposes.
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Definition
C1Pre-Columbian North America
(historical, academic)A member of ancient Native American cultures who built large earth mounds for ceremonial, burial, residential, or defensive purposes.
Example
- The Adena and Hopewell cultures are well-known mound builders.
- Archaeologists study the mounds to learn about the social and religious practices of mound builders.
B2General
(historical)An individual or group that constructs large artificial hills or mounds, often for ritual or ceremonial purposes.
Example
- The ancient mound builders left behind impressive earthworks that still intrigue researchers today.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mound builder":