Anasazi People

The Anasazi people were Indians that lived in the southwestern part of America from 1200 BC to 1300 AD. They are considered to be the ancestors of the Pueblo People and are often referred to as the Ancestral Puebloans.

These tribes lived in the area spanning from Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The word “Anasazi” is an old Navajo word meaning “Ancient Enemies” but historians today refer to it as “Ancient People”

They are known for their pottery which today can be worth quite a lot due to its rarity and originality. They are also famous for their sandstone dwelling which where built along cliff walls. You can find preserved examples of their dwellings at the Hovenweep National Monument in Utah along with a number of other parks scattered throughout southwest United States.

After 500 AD they were primarily farmers. They lived in small villages, created wonderful baskets, and grew a large portion of their food. By 1100 AD these villages had started to merge into larger and larger villages, which lasted until they finally abandoned their homes.

Somewhere in the late 1200s to early 1300s the Ancestral Puebloans started moving south. Why they moved along with why they left all of their belongings has been one of the biggest mysteries in History.

Most historians believe that they were forced south due to climate change. But there are also theories that they left due to conflict with other tribes such as the Navajo, or the Shoshonean speaking people.

Whatever the reason they found a new home in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Northern Mexico.

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