Anthropology 2231F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Pueblo Iii Period, Na-Dene Languages
13 Jul 2012
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Lecture 20 pueblo iii & pueblo iv. Development of cliff palaces: built into the mesas of cliffs. More lush area than chaco canyon, better rainfall etc. because of higher elevation. Reached its population peak after the chaco phenomena. Never any great kivas: differ in details. Burials much more common, very rare in chaco. About 500 people lived in the cliff palaces, maybe another 400-500 people. Extensive irrigation systems for watering crops and day-today living (reservoirs) Flourished for about 200 years, and then was completely and rapidly abandoned within a short period of time. Why such a rapid decline in mesa verde: 1) cultural reasons. Drove out pueblo people in mesa verde. Highly doubted: prior to arrival of horse with the. Spanish, these people were on very good relations with each other. Not always on friendly terms with each other. At least 19 examples of violent deaths. Easier for disease to spread in larger communities.
