Ancient Cliff Dwellers

Ancient LEVELED BOOK • V Cliff Dwellers A Reading A–Z Level V Leveled Book Word Count: 2,035

Written by Kira Freed

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Photo Credits: Glossary Front cover, page 15: © ArtToday; back cover, title page, pages 5, 16 (all), 22, 24: Explore More © Jupiterimages Corporation; page 4 (main): © Tom Dowd/Dreamstime.com; adapt to adjust to new conditions (p . 7) page 4 (inset): © Dreamstime.com; pages 7, 8, 11 (top): Craig Frederick/© Learning On the Internet, use www.google.com to find out A-Z; page 9 (left): © Makym/Dreamstime.com; pages 9 (center), 11 (BL): Courtesy adobe a dark, heavy soil containing clay (p . 12) more about topics presented in this book . Use terms of Chaco Culture National Historical Park/NPS; page 11 (BR): © NativeStock Ancient Pictures; page 12: courtesy of Russ Bodnar/Chaco Culture National Historical Park/ ancestors someone from whom an individual is from the text, or try searching for glossary or index NPS; page 13: © Nativestock.com/PhotoEdit; page 14: © Corbis; page 18 (main): courtesy of National Park Service; page 18 (inset): © Universal Images Group/ descended (p . 7) words . SuperStock; page 21 (bottom): © Bonnie Kamin/PhotoEdit; page 21 (TR): © Otis Cliff Dwellers Imboden/National Geographic Stock; page 21 (inset): © Macduff Everton/Corbis archaeologists scientists who study past human life and Some searches to try: Ancient Puebloan, Mesa Verde, activities as shown by fossils and tools left or Pueblo pottery in the ground (p . 5) Front cover: Montezuma Castle was a “high-rise apartment building” arid dry, lacking moisture (p . 5) Index for ancient cliff dwellers. It’s now a national monument. artifacts objects, or remains of objects, made by agriculture, 8-10, 13 ,15, 17 North America, 4, 6 Back cover: Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument is a petroglyph humans (p . 22) that records about 2,000 years of human activity in southeastern Utah. Anasazi, 2 northern Russia, 6 kivas circular, underground rooms used for baskets, 9, 11, 17, 21 petroglyphs, 5 ceremonies (p . 12) Note about terms: The ancient cliff dwellers used to be referred to as Anasazi, a Navajo word meaning ancient ones or enemy ancestors. Chaco Canyon, 12 pictographs, 5 petroglyphs pictures carved in stone (p . 5) However, the preferred name for the early Four Corners inhabitants cliff dwellings, 4, 14-16, 22 pit house, 10 is Ancient Puebloans, a name chosen by the modern Pueblo peoples. pictographs paintings on stone (p . 5) Cliff Palace, 14 pottery, 11, 13, 17, 21 Mesa Verde is pronounced “MAY-suh VAIR-day.” Mesa, which is Spanish for pit houses houses built atop shallow pits, with walls crops, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19 tools, 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17 “table,” also refers to raised, flat-topped land. Verde is Spanish for “green.” and ceilings made of tree branches, bark, and soil (p . 10) dwellings, 4, 6, 10, 12 trade, 12, 13, 17 prehistoric from a time in human history before enemies, 10, 15, 19 turkeys, 17 recorded events (p . 5) Four Corners, 4-8 Zuni, 21 pueblo Spanish for town or village; also, a type Hopi, 21 of multistoried building occupied by Puebloan peoples, accessed by ladder, hunt, 6-9, 19 Ancient Cliff Dwellers with adjoining houses and a flat roof (p . 12) Ice Age, 6, 7 Level V Leveled Book Correlation Written by Kira Freed © Learning A–Z LEVEL V sipapu a hole in the floor of a kiva that is a Written by Kira Freed kiva(s), 12, 14, 18 Fountas & Pinnell Q doorway between the spirit world and the All rights reserved. Reading Recovery 40 physical world (p . 18) Mesa Verde (National Park), DRA 40 2, 4, 5, 14, 19, 21, 22 www.readinga-z.com www.readinga-z.com

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 23 24 Photo Credits: Front cover, page 15: © ArtToday; back cover, title page, pages 5, 16 (all), 22, 24: Glossary © Jupiterimages Corporation; page 4 (main): © Tom Dowd/Dreamstime.com; Explore More page 4 (inset): © Dreamstime.com; pages 7, 8, 11 (top): Craig Frederick/© Learning adapt to adjust to new conditions (p . 7) A-Z; page 9 (left): © Makym/Dreamstime.com; pages 9 (center), 11 (BL): Courtesy On the Internet, use www.google.com to find out of Chaco Culture National Historical Park/NPS; page 11 (BR): © NativeStock adobe a dark, heavy soil containing clay (p . 12) more about topics presented in this book . Use terms Ancient Pictures; page 12: courtesy of Russ Bodnar/Chaco Culture National Historical Park/ NPS; page 13: © Nativestock.com/PhotoEdit; page 14: © Corbis; page 18 (main): ancestors someone from whom an individual is from the text, or try searching for glossary or index courtesy of National Park Service; page 18 (inset): © Universal Images Group/ SuperStock; page 21 (bottom): © Bonnie Kamin/PhotoEdit; page 21 (TR): © Otis descended (p . 7) words . Cliff Dwellers Imboden/National Geographic Stock; page 21 (inset): © Macduff Everton/Corbis archaeologists scientists who study past human life and Some searches to try: Ancient Puebloan, Mesa Verde, activities as shown by fossils and tools left or Pueblo pottery in the ground (p . 5) Front cover: Montezuma Castle was a “high-rise apartment building” for ancient cliff dwellers. It’s now a national monument. arid dry, lacking moisture (p . 5) Index

Back cover: Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument is a petroglyph artifacts objects, or remains of objects, made by agriculture, 8-10, 13 ,15, 17 North America, 4, 6 that records about 2,000 years of human activity in southeastern Utah. humans (p . 22) Anasazi, 2 northern Russia, 6 kivas circular, underground rooms used for baskets, 9, 11, 17, 21 petroglyphs, 5 Note about terms: The ancient cliff dwellers used to be referred to as ceremonies (p . 12) Anasazi, a Navajo word meaning ancient ones or enemy ancestors. Chaco Canyon, 12 pictographs, 5 However, the preferred name for the early Four Corners inhabitants petroglyphs pictures carved in stone (p . 5) is Ancient Puebloans, a name chosen by the modern Pueblo peoples. cliff dwellings, 4, 14-16, 22 pit house, 10 pictographs paintings on stone (p . 5) Cliff Palace, 14 pottery, 11, 13, 17, 21 Mesa Verde is pronounced “MAY-suh VAIR-day.” Mesa, which is Spanish for pit houses houses built atop shallow pits, with walls “table,” also refers to raised, flat-topped land. Verde is Spanish for “green.” crops, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19 tools, 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17 and ceilings made of tree branches, bark, and soil (p . 10) dwellings, 4, 6, 10, 12 trade, 12, 13, 17

prehistoric from a time in human history before enemies, 10, 15, 19 turkeys, 17 recorded events (p . 5) Four Corners, 4-8 Zuni, 21 pueblo Spanish for town or village; also, a type Hopi, 21 of multistoried building occupied by Puebloan peoples, accessed by ladder, hunt, 6-9, 19 Ancient Cliff Dwellers Level V Leveled Book Correlation with adjoining houses and a flat roof (p . 12) Ice Age, 6, 7 Written by Kira Freed © Learning A–Z LEVEL V Written by Kira Freed sipapu a hole in the floor of a kiva that is a Fountas & Pinnell Q kiva(s), 12, 14, 18 doorway between the spirit world and the All rights reserved. Reading Recovery 40 physical world (p . 18) Mesa Verde (National Park), DRA 40 www.readinga-z.com www.readinga-z.com 2, 4, 5, 14, 19, 21, 22

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 23 24 Modern-Day Descendants The Four Corners When the ancient cliff Mesa Verde National Park, founded in 1906, dwellers left Mesa Verde, Utah Colorodo is the first national park in the United States some moved south, established to honor human accomplishments . settling along the Rio Located where the states of Utah, Colorado, Preserving the Past Four Grande River in New Corners Arizona, and New Mexico meet, the park contains We must protect historic artifacts Mexico . These are the of ancient people. Follow these rules Arizona New Mexico many cliff dwellings that are among the most ancestors of the modern to preserve ruins and artifacts. striking examples of early human architecture in Pueblo tribes . Others 1 Look, but don’t touch. It is against North America . The builders used great skill, moved to Arizona, the law to keep artifacts. creating these unusual dwellings without the aid Table of Contents 2 Do not touch or draw on walls, eventually forming the Estella Loretto works on a The Four Corners ...... 4 of modern tools or machines . Zuni and Hopi tribes . clay figure. petroglyphs, or pictographs. Evidence ...... 5 Someone damaged this wall 3 Do not climb on walls. Many walls Who lived in these structures, and how did they Modern tribes have with graffiti. are fragile and easily damaged. Paleo-Indians ...... 6 live? Why did they make their homes in the cliffs? continued many of the Archaic People ...... 7 Why did they leave, and where did they go? These traditions of the Ancient Puebloans ...... 8 are some of the questions we will explore . Protecting the Cliff Dwellings ancient cliff dwellers . Making Baskets ...... 9 In the late 1800s, many people visited the The Pueblo, Zuni, and Building Larger Houses ...... 12 cliff dwellings—some photographed, drew, and Hopi peoples continue Moving to the Cliffs ...... 14 described the sites, but others took artifacts from to farm, conduct Building Dwellings ...... 16 Ray Tafoya is known for his pottery. the dwellings to sell . Over time, people became ceremonies, and Daily Life ...... 17 perform rituals . They still honor their connection concerned about protecting the cliff dwellings Spiritual Life ...... 18 with the land and the spirit world . They are from damage and looting . The concern led to Leaving the Cliffs ...... 19 among the finest artists in the the creation of Mesa Verde National Park in Modern-Day Descendants ...... 21 world, creating exquisite 1906 . The National Park Service protects the cliff Do You Know? dwellings, as well as allowing visitors to enjoy Protecting the Cliff Dwellings ...... 22 pottery, jewelry, baskets, Mesa Verde National Park is located in the Four Corners Glossary ...... 23 carvings, and weavings . them . Educational exhibits at Mesa Verde and area, the only place in the United States where the corners other sites in the Southwest teach people about Explore More ...... 24 of four states meet. The marker indicating the point is a the Ancient Puebloan way of life . Index ...... 24 tourist attraction.

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 21 22 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 3 4 The Four Corners Modern-Day Descendants Mesa Verde National Park, founded in 1906, When the ancient cliff

Utah Colorodo is the first national park in the United States dwellers left Mesa Verde, established to honor human accomplishments . some moved south, Located where the states of Utah, Colorado, settling along the Rio Four Preserving the Past Corners Arizona, and New Mexico meet, the park contains Grande River in New We must protect historic artifacts Arizona New Mexico many cliff dwellings that are among the most Mexico . These are the of ancient people. Follow these rules striking examples of early human architecture in ancestors of the modern to preserve ruins and artifacts. North America . The builders used great skill, Pueblo tribes . Others 1 Look, but don’t touch. It is against creating these unusual dwellings without the aid moved to Arizona, the law to keep artifacts. Table of Contents 2 Do not touch or draw on walls, The Four Corners ...... 4 of modern tools or machines . eventually forming the Estella Loretto works on a Zuni and Hopi tribes . clay figure. petroglyphs, or pictographs. Evidence ...... 5 Who lived in these structures, and how did they Someone damaged this wall 3 Do not climb on walls. Many walls Paleo-Indians ...... 6 live? Why did they make their homes in the cliffs? Modern tribes have with graffiti. are fragile and easily damaged. Archaic People ...... 7 Why did they leave, and where did they go? These continued many of the Ancient Puebloans ...... 8 are some of the questions we will explore . traditions of the Protecting the Cliff Dwellings Making Baskets ...... 9 ancient cliff dwellers . In the late 1800s, many people visited the Building Larger Houses ...... 12 The Pueblo, Zuni, and cliff dwellings—some photographed, drew, and Moving to the Cliffs ...... 14 Hopi peoples continue described the sites, but others took artifacts from Building Dwellings ...... 16 to farm, conduct Ray Tafoya is known for his pottery. the dwellings to sell . Over time, people became Daily Life ...... 17 ceremonies, and perform rituals . They still honor their connection concerned about protecting the cliff dwellings Spiritual Life ...... 18 with the land and the spirit world . They are from damage and looting . The concern led to Leaving the Cliffs ...... 19 among the finest artists in the the creation of Mesa Verde National Park in Modern-Day Descendants ...... 21 Do You Know? world, creating exquisite 1906 . The National Park Service protects the cliff Protecting the Cliff Dwellings ...... 22 dwellings, as well as allowing visitors to enjoy Mesa Verde National Park is located in the Four Corners pottery, jewelry, baskets, Glossary ...... 23 area, the only place in the United States where the corners carvings, and weavings . them . Educational exhibits at Mesa Verde and Explore More ...... 24 of four states meet. The marker indicating the point is a other sites in the Southwest teach people about Index ...... 24 tourist attraction. the Ancient Puebloan way of life .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 3 4 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 21 22 Leaving the Cliffs Paleo-Indians Between 1280 and 1295, the Ancient Puebloans To understand the story of the cliff dwellers, we 1600 — Cliff left the cliff dwellings and moved south to New need to go back in time . Scientists believe that at 1500 — dwellings Mexico and Arizona . No one knows for sure why abandoned least 14,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, ancient 1400 — they moved, but archaeologists believe that the people crossed a — Russia land bridge climate kept changing and that this played an 1300 land bridge from important role . It got colder, causing a shorter 1200 — Great Pueblo northern Russia to growing season for crops . Watering crops became 1100 — Alaska in North harder because there were long periods of time 1000 — America . Hundreds with little or no rain . In addition, the soil may 900 — Dev Pueblo of years later, some have been so overused that growing enough food 800 — Petroglyphs at Mesa Verde of their descendants for the large population became impossible . 700 — Evidence traveled far enough North The early people who lived in the Four Corners south to reach the Perhaps by the time the Ancient Puebloans left 600 — Modified America Four Corners area . Mesa Verde, they had cut down most of the trees 500 — Basketmaker area are called prehistoric because they left no for firewood and for building pueblos . Hunters 400 — written records . We know about them because Pacific The first Four we’ve found many remains of their culture buried Ocean may have killed so many wild animals that the 300 — Corners people were AD in the ground . meat supply was gone . 200 — Early called Paleo-Indians, and they survived Some people think that enemy tribes drove 100 — Basketmaker Mesa Verde is located in a high, flat desert by hunting and out the cliff dwellers . However, that is unlikely, ——— 0 — surrounded by mountains . The arid, or dry, gathering . Men used large spears to hunt huge because there are no remains of other cultures 100 — conditions at Mesa Verde are ideal for preserving herd animals, including elephant-like animals at Mesa Verde after the Ancient Puebloans left . — skeletons, mummies, dwellings, tools, and trash 200 Archaic called mammoths and mastodons, and giant bison . Archaeologists find older remains deeper in the BC piles . These remains have helped archaeologists 300 — Women gathered nuts, berries, and other wild ground and newer remains closer to the surface . to study the lives of the early people who lived in plants . The Paleo-Indians did not have permanent If enemies drove out the cliff dwellers, evidence the area . Other remains include pictographs, or 6,000 — homes . Instead, they moved from place to place of their culture would be found on top of the Paleo-Indian paintings on stone, and petroglyphs, or pictures 7,000 — following the animals they hunted . They camped Ancient Puebloan remains . carved in stone . 10,000 — in caves or built simple shelters .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 19 20 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 5 6 Paleo-Indians Leaving the Cliffs To understand the story of the cliff dwellers, we Between 1280 and 1295, the Ancient Puebloans 1600 — Cliff need to go back in time . Scientists believe that at left the cliff dwellings and moved south to New 1500 — dwellings least 14,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, ancient Mexico and Arizona . No one knows for sure why abandoned 1400 — people crossed a they moved, but archaeologists believe that the Russia land bridge — land bridge from climate kept changing and that this played an 1300 northern Russia to important role . It got colder, causing a shorter 1200 — Great Pueblo Alaska in North growing season for crops . Watering crops became 1100 — America . Hundreds harder because there were long periods of time 1000 — of years later, some with little or no rain . In addition, the soil may 900 — Dev Pueblo Petroglyphs at Mesa Verde of their descendants have been so overused that growing enough food 800 — Evidence traveled far enough for the large population became impossible . 700 — North The early people who lived in the Four Corners south to reach the America Perhaps by the time the Ancient Puebloans left 600 — Modified Four Corners area . area are called prehistoric because they left no Mesa Verde, they had cut down most of the trees 500 — Basketmaker written records . We know about them because Pacific The first Four for firewood and for building pueblos . Hunters 400 — we’ve found many remains of their culture buried Ocean Corners people were may have killed so many wild animals that the 300 — in the ground . AD called Paleo-Indians, meat supply was gone . 200 — Early and they survived Mesa Verde is located in a high, flat desert Some people think that enemy tribes drove 100 — Basketmaker by hunting and surrounded by mountains . The arid, or dry, out the cliff dwellers . However, that is unlikely, ——— 0 — gathering . Men used large spears to hunt huge conditions at Mesa Verde are ideal for preserving because there are no remains of other cultures 100 — herd animals, including elephant-like animals skeletons, mummies, dwellings, tools, and trash at Mesa Verde after the Ancient Puebloans left . — called mammoths and mastodons, and giant bison . 200 Archaic piles . These remains have helped archaeologists Archaeologists find older remains deeper in the BC Women gathered nuts, berries, and other wild 300 — to study the lives of the early people who lived in ground and newer remains closer to the surface . plants . The Paleo-Indians did not have permanent the area . Other remains include pictographs, or If enemies drove out the cliff dwellers, evidence homes . Instead, they moved from place to place 6,000 — paintings on stone, and petroglyphs, or pictures of their culture would be found on top of the Paleo-Indian following the animals they hunted . They camped 7,000 — carved in stone . Ancient Puebloan remains . in caves or built simple shelters . 10,000 —

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 5 6 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 19 20 Daily Life Archaic People The Ancient Puebloans probably spent most When the Ice Age ended about 10,000 years ago, of their time outside working together in groups . temperatures became warmer, causing the extinction Women cooked, ground corn, carried water, and of many large animals and turning large grasslands made pottery and baskets . Men wove cloth, farmed into deserts . The Four Corners people had to adapt crops, hunted, and made tools out of stone, wood, to these changes and find new ways to survive . and plant fibers . Children worked alongside their Archaeologists call these people the Archaic people . parents, learning adult roles by watching and Like their Paleo-Indian ancestors, the Archaic practicing . They also took care of turkeys and spent people were hunters and gatherers . But the animals time at play . During the winter, some work was Inset: the outside of a kiva Above: inside a kiva they hunted were smaller and provided less meat done inside the dwellings . Archaeologists believe Spiritual Life than the ones their ancestors hunted . The Archaic that rooms were used year-round for sleeping . Because modern kivas are still used by the people began to rely more on plants for food . Trade with other tribes was an important aspect descendants of the Ancient Puebloans, we know The Archaic people made different tools from of Ancient Puebloan life . The map below shows they were used for religious ceremonies . They were those of the Paleo-Indians—smaller spear points for some of the items they traded and where the items Ancient Puebloans probably also used for family gatherings, as guest hunting deer and bighorn sheep, and nets and traps came from . rooms, and as workspaces in winter . for catching rabbits and birds . Women By about 2,000 years ago, life in the Four used special tools for chopping Corners had changed in important ways . People Mesa Verde Trading People entered kivas with ladders . Each kiva had and grinding roots, seeds, had learned to grow their own food instead Turquoise Furs a fire pit in the center and a shaft providing fresh air . nuts, and wild plants . of relying on wild animals and wild plants . Shells Pottery Half of the Mesa Verde kivas also had a small hole Agriculture changed their way of life . These people Salt Corn in the floor called a sipapu . The hole represented were called the Ancient Puebloans . Cotton Beads a doorway between the spirit world and the real Possible trade routes Early Tools Mesa Verde world . Archaeologists think that the Ancient The first grinding stones The earliest Ancient Puebloans still relied mostly Puebloans, like their modern descendants, believed and bowls were made on hunting and gathering . However, growing their that all living things have both a spirit self and a during the Archaic people’s own food, such as corn and squash, on the open flat physical self . They also believed in life after death . time. Similar tools are still land allowed them to feed a larger group of people . used by their descendants It also gave them a source of food they could in the Southwest. depend on .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 17 18 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 7 8 Archaic People Daily Life When the Ice Age ended about 10,000 years ago, The Ancient Puebloans probably spent most temperatures became warmer, causing the extinction of their time outside working together in groups . of many large animals and turning large grasslands Women cooked, ground corn, carried water, and into deserts . The Four Corners people had to adapt made pottery and baskets . Men wove cloth, farmed to these changes and find new ways to survive . crops, hunted, and made tools out of stone, wood, Archaeologists call these people the Archaic people . and plant fibers . Children worked alongside their parents, learning adult roles by watching and Like their Paleo-Indian ancestors, the Archaic practicing . They also took care of turkeys and spent people were hunters and gatherers . But the animals time at play . During the winter, some work was they hunted were smaller and provided less meat Inset: the outside of a kiva Above: inside a kiva done inside the dwellings . Archaeologists believe than the ones their ancestors hunted . The Archaic Spiritual Life that rooms were used year-round for sleeping . people began to rely more on plants for food . Because modern kivas are still used by the Trade with other tribes was an important aspect The Archaic people made different tools from descendants of the Ancient Puebloans, we know of Ancient Puebloan life . The map below shows those of the Paleo-Indians—smaller spear points for they were used for religious ceremonies . They were Ancient Puebloans some of the items they traded and where the items hunting deer and bighorn sheep, and nets and traps probably also used for family gatherings, as guest came from . for catching rabbits and birds . Women By about 2,000 years ago, life in the Four rooms, and as workspaces in winter . used special tools for chopping Corners had changed in important ways . People Mesa Verde Trading People entered kivas with ladders . Each kiva had and grinding roots, seeds, had learned to grow their own food instead Turquoise Furs a fire pit in the center and a shaft providing fresh air . nuts, and wild plants . of relying on wild animals and wild plants . Shells Pottery Half of the Mesa Verde kivas also had a small hole Agriculture changed their way of life . These people Salt Corn in the floor called a sipapu . The hole represented were called the Ancient Puebloans . Cotton Beads a doorway between the spirit world and the real Early Tools Possible trade routes The first grinding stones The earliest Ancient Puebloans still relied mostly Mesa Verde world . Archaeologists think that the Ancient and bowls were made on hunting and gathering . However, growing their Puebloans, like their modern descendants, believed during the Archaic people’s own food, such as corn and squash, on the open flat that all living things have both a spirit self and a time. Similar tools are still land allowed them to feed a larger group of people . physical self . They also believed in life after death . used by their descendants It also gave them a source of food they could in the Southwest. depend on .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 7 8 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 17 18 Building Dwellings Making Baskets smoke hole A Safety Issue? entrance Some archaeologists Building the cliff dwellings was a huge As the Ancient Puebloans grew more food, they believe the Ancient Puebloans challenge for the Ancient Puebloans, who lacked found ways to store it . Women began to use plant were being attacked by other machines and used only stone tools . They were fibers and tree bark to make baskets . Some baskets tribes and needed homes they skilled at designing structures that made the best held food, while others were woven so tightly that could easily defend. Many use of the space . The builders made walls from they could hold water . Because baskets could not cliff dwellings could only be reached with ladders. The large stones be placed over a fire, women cooked by placing hot people in them could pull chipped into shape rocks into baskets filled with water . The women fire pit their ladders inside, leaving and held together also began making sandals from plant fibers . their enemies no way to enter. with adobe . They Pit houses could be from 9 to 25 feet (2.74-7.62m) in diameter. Although this idea makes The walls were typically made of branches and brush or grass covered the walls sense, there is little evidence covered in a layer of clay or mud. that this was the reason for with adobe, sometimes painting the move. Montezuma Castle designs on the Over time, the Ancient Puebloans relied more Archaeologists were puzzled by the Ancient insides of the walls . Ruins of adobe walls on agriculture to feed their growing population . By Puebloans’ move from open areas to cliff dwellings . about 1,500 years ago, they grew beans in addition They believe that as the Ancient Puebloan Builders made upper floors by laying large to corn and squash . Having a reliable food source population grew, more farmland was needed . wooden poles across the tops of walls and placing from farming allowed them to stay in one place . Moving to cliff dwellings freed more flat land for smaller poles across They built temporary houses, called pit houses, growing crops . The Ancient Puebloans also may the beams . Next a near their fields . These houses were built on top have needed to create new fields to replace old layer of sticks or Yucca plant (right) and sandals of shallow pits dug in the ground . The sides and fields that were overused and had lost the ability bark was piled on . made of yucca fibers (top) ceilings were constructed of tree branches, bark, to grow food well . Then they added a thick layer of adobe As the Ancient Puebloans grew more crops and and soil . Archaeologists believe the Ancient Another possible reason for the move might to hold it together . made more tools and baskets, they moved around Puebloans were a peaceful people because no have been for warmth during winter . The weather less . Even as agriculture became more important to weapons of war have been found . Also, the location was getting colder during this time . Most cliff the Ancient Puebloan way of life, men continued to of their houses suggests that they did not feel dwellings face south or southwest, where the sun’s This dwelling once had two floors. hunt using spears and nets . During this time, they threatened by enemies since houses built in the rays could warm the rock walls of their homes . lived in caves along cliffs and canyon walls . open are hard to defend .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 15 16 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 9 10 Making Baskets smoke hole Building Dwellings entrance A Safety Issue? As the Ancient Puebloans grew more food, they Some archaeologists Building the cliff dwellings was a huge found ways to store it . Women began to use plant believe the Ancient Puebloans challenge for the Ancient Puebloans, who lacked fibers and tree bark to make baskets . Some baskets were being attacked by other machines and used only stone tools . They were held food, while others were woven so tightly that tribes and needed homes they skilled at designing structures that made the best could easily defend. Many they could hold water . Because baskets could not use of the space . The builders made walls from cliff dwellings could only be be placed over a fire, women cooked by placing hot reached with ladders. The large stones rocks into baskets filled with water . The women fire pit people in them could pull chipped into shape also began making sandals from plant fibers . their ladders inside, leaving and held together Pit houses could be from 9 to 25 feet (2.74-7.62m) in diameter. their enemies no way to enter. with adobe . They The walls were typically made of branches and brush or grass Although this idea makes covered the walls covered in a layer of clay or mud. sense, there is little evidence that this was the reason for with adobe, sometimes painting the move. Montezuma Castle Over time, the Ancient Puebloans relied more designs on the on agriculture to feed their growing population . By Archaeologists were puzzled by the Ancient insides of the walls . Ruins of adobe walls about 1,500 years ago, they grew beans in addition Puebloans’ move from open areas to cliff dwellings . to corn and squash . Having a reliable food source They believe that as the Ancient Puebloan Builders made upper floors by laying large from farming allowed them to stay in one place . population grew, more farmland was needed . wooden poles across the tops of walls and placing Moving to cliff dwellings freed more flat land for smaller poles across They built temporary houses, called pit houses, growing crops . The Ancient Puebloans also may the beams . Next a near their fields . These houses were built on top have needed to create new fields to replace old layer of sticks or Yucca plant (right) and sandals of shallow pits dug in the ground . The sides and made of yucca fibers (top) fields that were overused and had lost the ability bark was piled on . ceilings were constructed of tree branches, bark, to grow food well . Then they added a As the Ancient Puebloans grew more crops and and soil . Archaeologists believe the Ancient thick layer of adobe made more tools and baskets, they moved around Puebloans were a peaceful people because no Another possible reason for the move might to hold it together . less . Even as agriculture became more important to weapons of war have been found . Also, the location have been for warmth during winter . The weather the Ancient Puebloan way of life, men continued to of their houses suggests that they did not feel was getting colder during this time . Most cliff hunt using spears and nets . During this time, they threatened by enemies since houses built in the dwellings face south or southwest, where the sun’s This dwelling once had two floors. lived in caves along cliffs and canyon walls . open are hard to defend . rays could warm the rock walls of their homes .

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 9 10 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 15 16 Moving to the Cliffs The Ancient Puebloan culture thrived for several Another important The first pottery of the Ancient Pueblo Bonito Do You Know? hundred years . The people developed new ways to change during this time Puebloans, although simple, Around 900 years ago, the Ancient Puebloans changed their way of life. Chaco Canyon, in help their crops grow . They built dams, reservoirs, moved from open land to protected ledges on cliffs was the production of northwestern New and terraces to manage water for their fields . and canyon walls . The cliff dwellings found at Mesa pottery . Tribes from Mexico, was an important Successful crops allowed them to feed their Verde and other places in the Four Corners area are Mexico taught the cultural center made up of 12 large pueblos. The growing population . typical of this time period . These houses were up Ancient Puebloans largest, Pueblo Bonito, pottery making . The types of pottery they made changed . to five stories tall, providing housing for hundreds housed about 1,000 Although women Women made everyday pottery that was used for of people . The cliff dwellers used ladders and ropes people. Archaeologists continued to make believe that Chaco cooking and storing food . Everyday pottery was to get to their homes . They also cut finger and toe baskets, using clay pots Canyon was a trade gray with a rough outer texture that helped heat holds into the rocks for climbing up the walls . allowed them to cook over center for surrounding the food inside . They also made pottery that was communities. About 600 cliff dwellings are located in Mesa an open fire . Clay pots also stored food better . rubbed and polished to create a smooth surface for Verde National Park . Cliff Palace, the largest, had decoration or trade . They decorated this pottery 217 rooms and 23 kivas . The smallest rooms may Men started using bows and arrows during Building Larger Houses with complex, colorful designs using paint made have been storage rooms rather than living quarters . this time, which was easier and more successful from wild plants . than spear hunting . These changes allowed the Around 1,300 years ago, the population had population to continue growing as food became grown so much that the Ancient Puebloans were more plentiful . living in larger groups . They built rectangular houses completely above ground . They used tree The Ancient Puebloans also used animal hair limbs and bark for a frame, then covered the wood twisted with cotton string to make warm socks with adobe (soil containing clay) . Over time, they and leg coverings . Sometimes they also wove started building houses with sandstone blocks feathers and string made from yucca plants to stacked and held together with adobe . The houses make clothing . were built side by side, creating large buildings called pueblos . Pueblo is a Spanish word that means “town” or “village .” The Ancient Puebloans also built underground circular structures called

Corrugation, painted designs, and glossy black interiors show Cord made of yucca fibers kivas, which were used for holding ceremonies . how pottery changed for trade and decoration. Cliff Palace and feathers Boot made of turkey feather yarn

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 13 14 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 11 12 Moving to the Cliffs Another important The first pottery of the Ancient Pueblo Bonito Do You Know? The Ancient Puebloan culture thrived for several change during this time Puebloans, although simple, hundred years . The people developed new ways to changed their way of life. Chaco Canyon, in Around 900 years ago, the Ancient Puebloans was the production of northwestern New help their crops grow . They built dams, reservoirs, moved from open land to protected ledges on cliffs pottery . Tribes from Mexico, was an important and terraces to manage water for their fields . and canyon walls . The cliff dwellings found at Mesa Mexico taught the cultural center made up Successful crops allowed them to feed their Verde and other places in the Four Corners area are of 12 large pueblos. The Ancient Puebloans growing population . typical of this time period . These houses were up largest, Pueblo Bonito, pottery making . housed about 1,000 The types of pottery they made changed . to five stories tall, providing housing for hundreds Although women people. Archaeologists Women made everyday pottery that was used for of people . The cliff dwellers used ladders and ropes continued to make believe that Chaco cooking and storing food . Everyday pottery was to get to their homes . They also cut finger and toe baskets, using clay pots Canyon was a trade gray with a rough outer texture that helped heat holds into the rocks for climbing up the walls . allowed them to cook over center for surrounding communities. the food inside . They also made pottery that was an open fire . Clay pots also stored food better . About 600 cliff dwellings are located in Mesa rubbed and polished to create a smooth surface for Verde National Park . Cliff Palace, the largest, had Men started using bows and arrows during decoration or trade . They decorated this pottery 217 rooms and 23 kivas . The smallest rooms may Building Larger Houses this time, which was easier and more successful with complex, colorful designs using paint made have been storage rooms rather than living quarters . than spear hunting . These changes allowed the Around 1,300 years ago, the population had from wild plants . population to continue growing as food became grown so much that the Ancient Puebloans were more plentiful . living in larger groups . They built rectangular houses completely above ground . They used tree The Ancient Puebloans also used animal hair limbs and bark for a frame, then covered the wood twisted with cotton string to make warm socks with adobe (soil containing clay) . Over time, they and leg coverings . Sometimes they also wove started building houses with sandstone blocks feathers and string made from yucca plants to stacked and held together with adobe . The houses make clothing . were built side by side, creating large buildings called pueblos . Pueblo is a Spanish word that means “town” or “village .” The Ancient Puebloans also built underground circular structures called

Cord made of yucca fibers kivas, which were used for holding ceremonies . Corrugation, painted designs, and glossy black interiors show and feathers Boot made of turkey feather yarn how pottery changed for trade and decoration. Cliff Palace

Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 11 12 Ancient Cliff Dwellers • Level V 13 14