Toltec Mounds is an archaeological state park in Arkansas. The site has been damaged from previous farming; however, it is now under protection and much has been learned from the site as well as much has yet to be learned from it. There are 18 mounds on the site and 3 of the mounds are very large and identifiable. The mounds are bordered by Mound Pound behind them and previously by an embankment with a trench on the remaining three sides.
They are placed in such a way that the sun sets behind what is known as Mound B on the summer solstice and behind Mound S during the winter solstice.. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun sets behind Mound A. These alignments are observed from Mound H. From what I've observed of the mound map, the mounds appear to be in a circular placement.
The area has been inhabited on and off, but the mounds were built from the Plum Bayou time period from 650 AD to 1150 AD. The site was inhabited by a few people who perhaps were priests or high ranking individuals. Their remains are burried on the site, still. The general population lived in scattered villages around the site.
The existance of copper from Michigan and shells from the Gulf of Mexico have been found on the site so it is evident that trading existed at this site with its neighbors north and south of them. The ditch that encirced the mound site was once filled with water. This site is believed to be a religious ceremonial site. All though the occupation of the site occurred during the Mississippian culture time period, the site is not considered part of the Mississippian culture by some professionals.
In my opinion this site was a giant calendar as most mounds and pyramids have been set up to be. It was probably maintained by a sacred priesthood and chief. Here are some pictures from Toltec Mounds.
by Rita Jean Moran (www.thelibrarykids.com)
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