Introduction
One of the most popular and fascinating features of the southwest's Canyon Country is the remains of the prehistoric Anasazi Indian civilization. The Anasazi thrived in the region for nearly 1,000 years leaving evidence of their extraordinary masonry talents everywhere. The zenith of the Anasazi culture was reached in Chaco Canyon during the years 900-1100 C.E. The gigantic pueblos of Chaco rival the other great works of the ancient world, such as those of the Mayas and Incas. By the year 1300, the Anasazi had abandoned the entire region, generally moving into the Rio Grande Valley of northern New Mexico. This departure has long been one of the southwest's great mysteries and has been the subject of intense research and speculation for generations.Map of Anasazi Indian Ruins
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The domain of the early Anasazi was the drainage system of the San Juan River which runs roughly east to west before emptying into the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). At first living as hunter-gathers, the Anasazi started building "pithouses" around the years 300-600 C.E. These were essentially holes in the ground with coverings. A few scant remains of pithouses may be viewed at Mesa Verde National Park. Subsequently, the Anasazi learned to cultivate crops such as beans and corn, and this led to a more settled life style with the need and desire for better and more permanent housing. Mesa-top pueblos were the norm by 800 C.E. As the Anasazi developed their amazing masonry skills, the pueblos got ever bigger and more complex, culminating in the great pueblos of Chaco Canyon. Pueblo Bonito (above), completed around 1100 C.E., was the largest building in North America until the late 19th century. The cliff dwellings, which are the most famous of the Anasazi structures, were built and occupied during the final years of their occupation of the San Juan region, roughly 1250-1300 C.E. After 1300, all traces of Anasazi occupation cease here, but begin to be found in the Rio Grande region in places such as Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Anasazi Indian Ruins Guide: Arizona/New Mexico (Part 1) | Colorado/Utah
