Emerald Mound
Emerald Mound Natchez
Plaquemine Mississippian Emerald phase 1250–1600 CE·Plaquemine (Natchez)·🇺🇸 Mississippi, United States
About
About Emerald Mound
Second-largest Mississippian platform mound in North America (10.7 m high, base 235×133 m, 8-sided terraced) on Natchez Bluffs terrace, center of Emerald phase Plaquemine culture 1250–1600 CE. Originally topped by two secondary mounds for temple and elite residences; plaza and village. Historic Natchez chiefdom of the Quigualtam? Utmost southwestern Mississippian, visited by de Soto's chroniclers, predecessor to Grand Village Natchez.
Why it mattersSecond largest US platform mound demonstrating Plaquemine-Natchez continuity into historic era.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function of octagonal terracing vs rectangular
- 02Relation to de Soto Quigualtam capital
Theories
- 01Plaquemine ceremonial terrace as Natchez Green Corn ritual stage
- 02Hydraulic model: terrace drains manage bluff-edge runoff
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1250–1600 CE
- Period
- Plaquemine Mississippian Emerald phase 1250–1600 CE
- Culture
- Plaquemine (Natchez)
- Builders
- Plaquemine Natchez ancestors
- Purpose
- Paramount chiefdom ceremonial center, temple and residence platform
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.1250–1600 CE
Initial construction
c. 1532 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
31.6358° N · 91.2447° W · 80 m · 2 mapped features
Emerald Mound central feature
featureMain architectural feature
31.6358° N · 91.2447° WEmerald Mound secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
31.6368° N · 91.2437° W
Gallery