From the late 1000's to the late 1200's the ancestors of the Pueblo people (known as the Aztecs) resided in this village. Each brick used in their architecture was carried by hand from a quarry over 35 miles away.
The dwelling was once a buzzing metropolis with city buildings, apartment style homes, artisan quarters, a town square and great Kivas or ceremonial buildings. Clearly the Aztecs were astute mathematicians creating vast multi-use buildings and mammoth circular Kivas. The circles were perfect in formation.
Bryan and I visited the ruins on a sticky, hot day. We wondered how the Aztecs endured without air conditioning in the desert. Once we entered the homes we understood how they coped. Inside the buildings the air was cool and crisp. Also, they didn't have doors, rather they covered the portals with hides to welcome circulation.
This was the base of another great Kiva. This one hasn't been completely excavated yet. We still have so much to learn about these people. Unknown is why two sets of cultures lived in this dwelling at different times. Were they driven out? Or was there a drought or famine? Archeologists know two peoples resided at the site by sifting through their trash piles. Pottery designs differed, diets varied, and tools were more advanced with the second culture. What would our trash tell archeologists about us one thousand years from now?
Bryan and I had to duck down to pass through Aztec doors. (Notice Bryan towering over the doorway for scale.) "Why were the door wells so low?" I queried. "Because they were tiny. Think of how small grandma Yazzie is." It's true, the Native woman is maybe 4'10". Evolution has turned us into large monsters in comparison.I loved exploring the ruins. I wanted to be an archeologists when I was girl. So, this help feed my girlhood dreams. I can't wait to visit additional ruins and learn even more about our ancestors. Hopefully you enjoyed this little tour, and weren't bored to tears!
