Tucked away in Cincinnati’s history is a discovery that connects the city to a civilization from over 2,000 years ago. Meet the Cincinnati Tablet—a five-inch sandstone artifact packed with mystery and meaning.
Unearthed in 1841 during construction near Fifth and Mound Streets (now home to a UPS facility), the tablet was found in a burial mound built by the Adena culture. Alongside it, workers uncovered a treasure trove of ancient goodies, like copper ornaments, bear-tooth pendants, and polished bone tools. But it was the Cincinnati Tablet that truly stole the spotlight.
A Discovery That Made Waves
This little tablet wasn’t just any artifact—it was a first-of-its-kind find. Almost immediately, it became a star, appearing in scientific presentations, The Cincinnati Gazette, and even the Smithsonian’s first publication. By 1976, the tablet was featured in London during a bicentennial exhibit on Native American art.
Who Were the Adena People?
The Adena culture thrived in the Early Woodland Period (1000–200 B.C.) and left their mark across Ohio with burial mounds and ceremonial earthworks. These mounds weren’t just piles of dirt—they were engineering marvels that held sacred artifacts, human remains, and evidence of complex rituals.
One of the most famous Adena sites is the Great Serpent Mound in Adams County. At over 1,300 feet long, this snake-shaped earthwork aligns with the solstices, showing their deep connection to astronomy. Another iconic site, the Octagon Earthworks in Newark, is part of a massive ceremonial complex that rivals Stonehenge in its astronomical precision. Both sites highlight the Adena’s engineering skills and spiritual beliefs.
Ohio is home to many other Adena mounds, like the Miamisburg Mound, one of the largest conical mounds in the United States, and the Enon Mound in Clark County. These landmarks remind us of the vibrant, interconnected cultures that flourished here long before Ohio became a state.
READ MORE: Discover Ohio’s Most Fascinating Ancient Sites
What Makes Adena Tablets So Special?
The Cincinnati Tablet belongs to a rare class of artifacts known as “Adena Tablets,” discovered in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Engraved with intricate designs—often symmetrical patterns or stylized animals—these tablets reflect a unique artistic and symbolic tradition.
While their exact purpose remains a mystery, archaeologists have theories. Some suggest they were stamps for body or fabric decoration, while others believe they were tools for tattooing. Traces of red ochre found on some tablets hint at their use in rituals or ceremonies.
Although we may not ever know their exact purpose, one thing we do know is that they’re impressive, just like the ancient people of Ohio who created them.
