Greenhouse site facts for kids
Layout of the site
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 Greenhouse site
Location in Louisiana
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| Location | Marksville, Louisiana, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana,  USA |
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| Region | Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 31°8′22.31″N 92°2′25.73″W / 31.1395306°N 92.0404806°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 400 CE |
| Abandoned | 1000 |
| Cultures | Troyville culture, Coles Creek culture |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1938 |
| Archaeologists | James A. Ford, |
| Responsible body: private | |
The Greenhouse site (also known as 16 AV 2) is a very old place in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. It's an archaeological site, which means it's where scientists called archaeologists dig up clues about people who lived long ago. This site was important to two ancient groups: the Troyville culture and the Coles Creek culture. They lived here between the years 400 CE and 1000 CE.
Contents
What is the Greenhouse Site?
The Greenhouse site is the most studied ancient site of its kind in Louisiana. It helps us learn about the Troyville and Coles Creek cultures. These groups lived in the area long before Europeans arrived.
How the Site is Laid Out
The site has seven large dirt mounds. These are called platform mounds. They surround a central open area known as a plaza. The plaza is about 200 feet (61 m) wide and 350 feet (110 m) long.
The Mystery of the Village
Archaeologists have looked very carefully, but they haven't found a village near the mounds. This makes them think that the Greenhouse site was mostly used for special ceremonies. It's likely that the people who built the mounds lived in other places nearby.
Important Mounds at Greenhouse
Three of the mounds are much larger than the others. These are called Mound A, Mound E, and Mound G.
- Mound A is about 12 feet (3.7 m) tall. Its base is 120 feet (37 m) square, and its top is 80 feet (24 m) square.
- Mound E is about 10 feet (3.0 m) tall. Its base is 120 feet (37 m) square, and its top is 80 feet (24 m) square.
- Mound G is also a very large mound.
These three big mounds form a triangle shape at the site.
