Chacoans

The Chacoans were an ancient indigenous culture that flourished in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico from approximately 850 to 1250 CE. They are particularly known for their monumental architecture, often referred to as "Great Houses," which were constructed with intricate masonry and were often built in a D-shape or on a grand scale. These structures, such as Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl, served as ceremonial, administrative, and residential centers.

Chaco Canyon, the heart of the Chacoan world, was a major hub for trade and religious activity. The Chacoans were skilled engineers and astronomers, evident in their sophisticated road systems that extended for hundreds of miles and their alignment of structures with celestial events. Evidence suggests they cultivated crops like maize, beans, and squash, and engaged in extensive trade networks, acquiring goods such as shells from the Gulf of California and turquoise from distant sources.

The decline of Chacoan civilization is a subject of ongoing research. Theories include prolonged drought, resource depletion, social unrest, and environmental degradation. By the late 13th century, the major Chacoan centers were largely abandoned, though the cultural legacy of the Chacoans influenced later Pueblo cultures in the region. Their impressive ruins continue to be a significant archaeological and cultural heritage site.