The Uses of the Mounds

The Ocmulgee site has seven temples. Each one is different in its importance and use. The uses of the most significative ones were as follows:

The Great Temple Mound: This mound is one of the widest in the Southeast (40’high and 300’ wide) and is estimated to have been constructed between 1350 and 1500. According to the evidence that was discovered on the site, this pile of ground was used as a temple. The ceremonial structure and the artifacts that were found in the five levels are evidences of the ceremonial practices in certain rooms.

The Funeral Mound : This mound was used as a burial place . A hundred and ten burial remains was been found in tombs that contained from one to six bodies. The bodies, covered by animal skin or little trees, were exposed in the pits of the mound before being buried under its foundation.

The Cornfield Mound: This mound,(8’ high), showed signs of cultivation. Even though it was a ceremonial building, it could have sometimes served as a field.

The Lesser Temple Mound: This mound was mostly used as a place for important religious ceremonies.