Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment
Marksville W Embank
Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE)·Hallstatt / Early Iron Age; Hopewell·🇺🇸 Louisiana, Avoyelles Parish, Marksville, United States
About
About Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment
Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment in Louisiana, Avoyelles Parish, Marksville, United States is a Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE) tumulus attributed to Hallstatt / Early Iron Age. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions mound 22 m diameter × 6 m high; ditch 2 m deep; area 0.4 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Hallstatt / Early Iron Age tumulus with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 25 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Territorial marker
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. 1500–1200 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE)
- Culture
- Hallstatt / Early Iron Age; Hopewell
- Builders
- Hallstatt
- Purpose
- Elite burial and ritual mound
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500–1200 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1027 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1944
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
31.1200° N · 92.0500° W · 25 m · 3 mapped features
- Principal MonumentstructurePrincipal Monument at Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment — structure with stratified deposits31.1184° N · 92.0479° W
- Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary Complex at Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment — complex with stratified deposits31.1212° N · 92.0499° W
- Outlier FeatureoutlierOutlier Feature at Marksville — Precht Mound West Embankment — outlier with stratified deposits31.1214° N · 92.0518° W
Gallery