The Anasazi of Chaco Canyon: Greatest Mystery of the American Southwest

by Kyle Widner

This book is a captivating exploration of one of North America's most intriguing ancient civilizations, the Anasazi, aka Ancestral Puebloans. For centuries, the Anasazi inhabited the southwestern region of the United States, building remarkable structures, creating advanced art, and developing complex systems of agriculture and trade. But despite their many achievements, the Anasazi ultimately disappeared without a trace(?), leaving behind a wealth of mysteries and unanswered questions. In this fascinating book, delve into the heart of the Anasazi's greatest their sudden abondonment of Chaco Canyon, one of their most important settlements. Through meticulous research and expert analysis, we uncover the clues left behind by the Anasazi and explore the theories that attempt to explain their mysterious fate. From archaeological excavations to modern-day reconstructions, we examine every facet of this enigmatic civilization, shedding new light on their culture, history, and legacy. Drawing on the latest scientific discoveries and historical insights, The Anasazi of Chaco Greatest Mystery of the Southwest USA is a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient world, Native American history, or the mysteries of the past. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a curious reader, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you with its vivid storytelling and meticulous research. Perhaps the most fascinating chapter in Southwest history is the tale of the mysterious, “vanished” Anasazi Indians. Their tremendous achievements can be found in many places, including the spectacular cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. But the crest of the Anasazi wave was in Chaco Canyon, a shallow, windswept wash in northwest New Mexico. Here, 1,000 years ago, strange and unexplained events unfolded, events which continue to intrigue scientists and visitors today. During the years 850-1150 AD, multi-story buildings comparable in size to the Roman Coliseum were constructed. Advanced astronomy, waterworks, and agriculture flourished. Exotic artifacts from Central America were traded over routes spanning thousands of miles. And after 300 years, they carefully sealed everything up, left, and never returned. The Anasazi of Chaco Canyon offers insight into the unknowns of the “Chaco Phenomenon,” including the story of Kyle’s journey of discovery. In addition, it draws on the latest research, personal experiences, and interpretations of oral traditions, leading the reader to a startling conclusion.

Chaco Canyon is in New Mexico, but Anasazi ruins can be found across all the "four corners" states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Pueblo II, is the period of Ancestral Puebloan culture that lasted from about 900 to 1150 CE, concentrated within the Bonito and Escalante communities in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The book delves into the layout and construction of these communities, including the Great Kiva, a large ceremonial structure that was a central gathering place for the Ancestral Puebloans. The article also discusses the economy and trade networks of the Pueblo II period, as well as the decline and abandonment of these communities around 1150 AD, as well as a glimpse into the rich and complex history of the Ancestral Puebloans and their communities in Chaco Canyon during the Pueblo II period.

The centerpiece of Chaco Canyon is Pueblo Bonito, which is one of the most impressive and mysterious ancient, featuring over 600 interconnected rooms and standing up to five stories high in some areas. The precise function of Pueblo Bonito is still a matter of speculation and debate among archaeologists and historians. Some believe it was primarily a residential complex, while others suggest it may have served as a center for trade and commerce, or even as a site for religious and ceremonial practices.

Genres: History

226 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2016

Reviews

[Roo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kyle Widner begins his book almost apologetically by saying that he isn't an archeologist, but rather someone who loves roaming archeological sites, and who took a deep dive into citizen research about Chaco Canyon. I had hoped to glean information in order to plan for a bucket list trip to Chaco, and I guess this book gave me that.
Widner tried to categorize each little chapter, but there was a lot of overlap, meaning repetition, in the information. Somehow it could have been tightened up so that all the reasons for the buildings would have been included in one chapter.
Widner let his imagination fly in the final chapter where he imagines how the complex came about and then why the inhabitants migrated away. It was interesting conjecture - not necessarily good writing.
I have a non-related side interest that I have been researching, and it made me see how difficult it would be for me to write a fictional account of something where the written history is lacking. So I give Widner kudos for trying!
I have bookmarked the useful guides at the end of the book for various hikes and their distances for when I do visit Chaco.

[Rex Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

You bounce along a dirt road for at least nineteen miles to get to Chaco Canyon no matter which direction you come from. Once you are there, you both feel and see that it's a special place. People have been there since about 10,000 BC. Then, about 850 AD somebody we call the Anasazi put multi-story buildings and other structures there that you can't take your eyes off of.

The Great Houses, especially Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl, are utterly mystifying. Beautiful architecture, yet with no obvious purpose in their design or arrangement. So, do some research, right? Surprise! Since the 1890's we've been combing it with all the technology we can muster and still don't know what it was for, or even very much about who built it, why they did so in a very inhospitably arid place, or why they left.

This book puts forth what's known about Chaco in a very readable and interesting form. Read this, then visit. Highly recommended.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Earth and Father Sky

Kyle Widner has managed to keep his excitement over Chaco Canyon that I have seen expressed by every college student I have seen there. I don’t know how long the students maintain their excitement, but it is very clear that Widner has maintained his excitement over many years. And rightly so. There is a sacredness about the place that our modern edifices have long lost if they ever had it. Widner demonstrates his excitement and wonder on every page. He doesn’t share the sacredness one can experience sitting in the silence of a kiva, but I know he has experienced it. Perhaps it should not be shared. Perhaps that is The Greatest Mystery. Perhaps it should just be held close by the individual. If the reader has been to Chaco Widner produces a lot of hmm, hmm. If the reader has not been there Widner may create a stirring that will cause the reader to move in that direction. Perhaps you will solve the Greatest Mystery of the Southwest.

[Nick McAfee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read unfortunately mired by poor editing. A mix of established cited facts, personal experience, and specified speculation, Kyle does an excellent job at separating his own interpretations with the base of knowledge that has been established by archaeologists and anthropologists on the topics. Definitely worth reading, especially if you already have a base of knowledge on the subject. Hopefully it receives a second edition with updated graphics and a bit more editing.