The Hopewell culture was a prehistoric Native American civilization that flourished in the eastern United States from around 200 BCE to 500 CE. Known for their impressive earthworks and burial mounds, the Hopewell people engaged in extensive trade networks, exchanging goods like copper, shells, and pottery across vast distances. Their society was characterized by complex social structures and artistic expression. Hopewell sites, such as those found in the Scioto River Valley, feature large geometric earthworks and elaborate burial practices. The culture is often associated with the construction of effigy mounds and the use of exotic materials in their artifacts, reflecting their advanced craftsmanship and cultural significance.