The Americas are home to a diverse range of cultures that have left behind extraordinary monuments to their lost societies. In the American southwest, the Ancient Pueblo peoples carved out their own civilization that lasted for centuries. After nearly a millennium, the world-renowned Cliff Palace has survived the times, and is now open to the public in the southwestern corner of Colorado in Mesa Verde National Park.
The Ancient Puebloans were one of four cultures that occupied the pre-Columbian Southwest. During what is now called the Pueblo I and II eras, from 700-1130 CE, they experienced an explosion in population thanks to favorable rainfall, increased fertility and migration for neighboring regions. Their society made innovations in agriculture technology, enabling them to spread their culture across the American Southwest. The following years were hard for their people, enduring the 300-year-long Great Drought which forced them to pull back on their civilization and rely on more self-contained communities.
It was at this time, around 1190-1260 CE, that the Cliff Palace was built in response to the harsher climate, housing about 100 people within its walls. The dwelling were carved into the sandstone and constructed out of mortar, wood and hard rock. Within the complex there are 23 kivas, round sunken chambers used for religious ceremonies. The high presence of kivas compared to surrounding Pueblo settlements indicates the Cliff Palace may have acted as a sort of metropolis, where multiple clans with different beliefs inhabited the same dwelling.
Weather conditions eventually forced Ancient Pueblo culture out of existence. There is evidence the religious structures they built were abandoned, even destroyed in the belief they had abused their spiritual power. Although their culture has been described as “vanished,” contemporary scholars believe they simply migrated and integrated with people of the surrounding areas.
Travelers can get to Mesa Verde National Park solely by car. The closest town is Cortez, located nine miles west and containing a small airport with flights to Denver. Thirty-five miles east of the park is Durango, which has a bigger airport with daily flights to Denver, Dallas and Phoenix. A week-long pass to Mesa Verde will cost $15 in the summer, and getting a ranger-led tour will be an additional $3 per person.
Read This Next
Cyprus Archaeological Museum
History
Jan 11, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Nov 22, 2024Fairmont Waterfront Introduces New Winter Wellness Experiences
Fairmont Waterfront, in Vancouver, elevates its commitment to wellness and coastal luxury with new winter activities designed to invigorate the body and mind while also embracing the area’s natural beauty.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024What to Expect at This Year’s St. Louis Winterfest
Celebrate the winter season in St. Louis at this year’s Winterfest.
Destinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
ShareThis