Mesa Verde is one of the most interesting places I have been this year. Located in the south western part of CO, it is one of our nation's most spectacular archeological preserves. There are over 5,000 sites within and more than 600 cliff dwellings where the Anazasi once lived. The mesa top,for which this site gets its name, is more than 80 square miles and was forested with juniper and pinyon trees until successive forest fires have burned a great portion. I'll include more on that in the next blog as I can only load 5 pictures at a time.
The eariest known inhabitants of this region were named the "Basketmakers" who lived in Pit Houses from 500 AD-750AD. In the years between 750-1100, their skills increased and they began to build kivas. One is shown in my photos, the large pit in the ground. These served as ceremonial centers as well as a place to gather in the cold. Each kiva was covered with a roof and had a firepit, as well as a symbolic hole in the ground where the spirits could rise from the underworld.
The actual cliff dwellings were build around 1200 at the peak of their arts and crafts and handiwork. They farmed the top of the mesa and hunted for food. Around 1276, a 24 year long drought began and it is this that is the most likely reason these people left their beautiful homes. Some believe they joined the Hopi Tribe in Arizona.
It was surreal to stand on the high cliffs and look down upon these dwellings which appeared more like miniature clay models than actual homes. And yet, we we visited them on tour, the size and magnitude of these structures were amazing. They were well built and designed to be able to still be standing 700-800 years later. Becky and I had a great time scrambling up the 38 ft. ladder and crawling through the tight rock passages to enter and exit the structures. It was so special to share this experience together. I'll write more about the Anazasi Native Americans in my next blog.
Wishing you all a lovely day!
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