Our next stop is Aztec, New Mexico. We visited the
Aztec Ruins National Monument. I must first repeat what they said - the Aztecs of Central America were never here. The first discoverers of the ruins misnamed them, and the name stuck. That being said, the Pueblo people of the area lived here from around 1100 to the late 1200's. The masonry work here is the most impressive that we've seen in the many ruins that we've been to in the Southwest. Plus, they hauled in the stone from up to 3 miles away and the wood supports from 50 miles away without the aid of machinery or pack animals. Wow, what a feat!
National Park Service link
As with all ruins, looting and "re-purposing" of artifacts and materials took it's toll. Even with that, this is an impressive site to visit. Many walls, and a few ceilings still stand after 900 years. Yikes. I'm glad we stopped for a visit.
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| View inside compound |
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What is left of 800 year old yucca
"screen door" |
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| 900 year old ceiling still intact |
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| Inside compound |
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