Season 4 // Episode 3: Why Move into the Cliffs?
/Why Move into the Cliffs?
In season 4, we’re digging into some of the most commonly asked questions at Mesa Verde National Park.
“We, as Pueblo People, believe everything will return to Mother Earth... everything returns back to its original spot, everything goes back to Mother Earth to be re-used, replenished.”
Why did the Ancestral Pueblo People build these world renowned alcove villages? It’s nearly impossible to go a day at Mesa Verde National Park without hearing someone ask some version of this question, whether aloud or whispered to themselves at an overlook. And, at the same time, it’s nearly impossible to answer it. In this episode, we explore some of the many theories surrounding this frequently asked question.
We’ll hear from Donna Glowacki, Archaeologist and Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of Notre Dame; Chris McAllister, archaeologist at Mesa Verde National Park; and Ranger Jill Blumenthal, Education Coordinator and Volunteer Program Manager at Mesa Verde National Park, as they explain some of the current theories about the construction of the cliff dwellings. And, finally, TJ Atsye (Laguna Pueblo) shares her thoughts as a descendant of these ancient people.
Additional Resources
Spruce Tree House
Spruce Tree House // NPS PhOTO/Kayla EILER Woodward
Constructed between 1211 and 1278, Spruce Tree House is one of the largest cliff dwellings within Mesa Verde National Park. This village consists of about 130 rooms and 8 kivas built into a natural alcove. The alcove measures 216 feet (66 meters) at its greatest width and 89 feet (27 meters) at its greatest depth. It is thought to have been home for about 60 to 80 people.
Though once open to the public for self-guided tours, it is currently closed due to danger of rock fall from the alcove above. Spruce Tree House can still be seen from an overlook just below the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum.
Cliff Palace
CLIFF PALACE AS SEEN FROM THE CLIFF PALACE OVERLOOK // NPS IMAGE/KAYLA WOODWARD
One of the largest cliff dwellings in North America is located along the Cliff Palace loop at Mesa Verde National Park. Archaeologists estimate this village is comprised of 150 rooms and 23 kivas, and had a population of approximately 100 people.
For more information about Cliff Palace, and to learn how you can currently experience this special place, visit Mesa Verde National Park’s website, or visit their Facebook page for emergency updates.
Long House
LONG HOUSE // NPS PHOTO/Cade Valcarce
Located in the western portion of Mesa Verde National Park on Wetherill Mesa, Long House is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park. Consisting of about 150 rooms, 21 kivas, and a row of upper storage rooms, it may have been home to 150 to 175 people.
Some of the architectural features in Long House suggest it was also a public place where people from all over Wetherill Mesa gathered to trade or hold community events. The formal plaza in the center of the site is larger than most villages and has some features not often found in other Mesa Verde archaeological sites.
Mesa Top Loop Audio Tour
Check out the Mesa Top Loop Audio Tour - put together by Mesa Verde National Park - to follow the footsteps left behind by the Pueblo ancestors.
Download or stream this multi-part tour now on Apple Podcasts or visit Mesa Verde National Park’s website to find a transcript.