Aztec Ruins National Monument

This Parks Visit article, was posted by Travis K.
Find similar content in the following categories: Indigenous Peoples of North America, Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest, National Parks in New Mexico, New Mexico, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Aztec Ruins National Monument, Located in the

State of New Mexico

The Aztec Ruins National Monument holds a remarkable place in archaeological history. Though the location is smaller and occupied for a shorter amount of time, it’s crucial for understanding the confluence of cultures in this region.

The level of fascination with this place has grown as I continue to read about it. The level of interest has peaked to the point where I reached out to the location, university professors, and even museums for further understanding. Without a doubt, I plan on returning to Aztech Ruins with a greater understanding and a different perspective.

Mistake in the Naming of Aztec Ruins

Don’t let the name Aztec Ruins National Monument fool you. The ruins in present-day Aztec, New Mexico, are not the product of people from the Aztec Empire. However, the name was given to the location when the Aztec Empire was mistakenly credited with its development. Despite a better understanding of the people and culture that built the pueblo, the name remains.

Aztec Ruins National Monument is not the only location where the name doesn’t reflect the people who built it. Furthermore, in Arizona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is another location credited with being a product of Aztec Indians.

As our understanding continues to develop, errors in names are recognized. Terms to describe the builders and inhabitants have also shifted. For example, the Navajo word “Anasazi” has fallen out of favor, and instead, the people that once inhabited this region are referred to as Ancestral Puebloans.

History of the Culture at Aztec Ruins

Additionally, the pottery found at Aztec Ruins suggests influences from other cultures and trade. There has yet to be pottery found at the ruins that was produced before 1000 CE. Of the pottery found, there are more than 40 different types. Which suggests there was extensive trade with other cultures near and far away.

Furthermore, pottery found at Aztec Ruins includes influences from the two large cultures to the north and south of Aztec Ruins. Serveral pottery styles are from Mesa Verde, and a few from Chaco Canyon. Other pottery includes areas west of Chaco, pottery from northeastern Arizona, and Mogollon cultures to the south (including Zuni). There is also Aztec Black pottery, a style only found at Aztec Ruins.

Aztec Ruins Architecture

Similar to that of Chaco Canyon, multiple structures make up Aztec Ruins. One of the larger structures visitors can explore include Aztec West. Construction at Aztec West predominately took place in early 1100 CE and continued for approximately 30 years. Renovations took place in the late 1100’s and also in the mid 1200’s. The architectural style changed from the Chaco-style to that found at Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde masonry style involves the use of larger and rounder stones. The stones are irregular in shape and fitted together without the precision and uniformity seen in the Chaco-style.

The other structure located outside of the walls of Aztec West that visitors can explore is the Hubbard Tri-Wall Site. The Hubbard Tri-Wall Site, a unique architectural feature, resembles a kiva built with three concentric walls. Tri-wall kivas are rare, and there are ten examples. Mounds A and F are also tri-wall sites. Outside of the Aztec Ruins, Pueblo del Arroyo includes a similar structure. I have not come across the location of the other six tri-wall structures. Questions remain with Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park on where the remaining tri-wall structures are.

Additionally, other sites not open to the public at the National Monument include Aztec East and the Great Kiva. This Great Kiva is possibly located in what would have been the central plaza of the east ruins and is possibly larger than the reconstructed Great Kiva of Aztec West. Very little excavation has taken place at East Ruins. Other ruins located at Aztec National Monument are the Earl Morris Site and Mounds A and F. There is a suggestion that there are 6 or 7 other mounds located on the historical site.

More Information for Your Aztec Ruins Visit

If you found this article interesting, explore my other visits to state parks or national parks in New Mexico. You can also discover more articles on Indigenous People of the Southwest, Indigenous Peoples of North America, or UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve covered.

For more information about Aztec Ruins, its days and hours of operation, as well as fees, visit nps.gov. Also, visit newmexico.org for other information that might improve your Aztec Ruins visit.