The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Mesa Verde National Park in the United States as a World Heritage Site in 1978.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern part of Colorado, USA, at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level. The park was established by a decision signed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Mesa Verde is protected within high cliffs, making it one of the best-preserved environments in the world.
Within the national park lies a mysterious site on the cliffs that has drawn the attention of the world, especially archaeologists, since its discovery. In fact, Mesa Verde was discovered on a cold winter day in 1073 by two herding children. While searching for lost cattle, the children stumbled upon this area, and what they saw left them in awe. On the sheer cliff face stood a fallen city, prominently featuring a majestic palace. This strange palace on the cliff raised questions about a mysterious people living in the cliffside villages.
After numerous surveys and studies, archaeologists recognized that this was the work of the ancestors of the Pueblo Indian people (also known as the Anasazi) in the southern United States. They left no written records but instead left behind the monumental structures on the cliffs for future generations. Historically, in the 12th century, the Anasazi began building dwellings not deep within caves but on ledges along the canyon walls. Some large homes were constructed from multiple smaller units, resulting in structures that could total up to 150 rooms. The most famous among them are the dwellings known as Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House.
This complex was primarily built from sandstone, wooden beams, and a mortar made from earth, water, and ash. Additionally, many walls were adorned with colorful clay plaster. However, these materials are susceptible to erosion due to the harsh and variable weather conditions in the area, particularly the extremes of high and low temperatures.
The site covers an area of 210.7 km² and contains over 600 cliff dwellings created by the ancestors of the Pueblo people. These homes are scattered throughout Mesa Verde National Park, with some even built multi-story and featuring balconies.
Records indicate that the Anasazi moved into this area in the early year 550 AD, establishing homes and farming on the mountains. Around 1150, they began relocating their homes into the canyons. Most houses built within the canyon were small, but some were large enough to accommodate 250 people (about 150 rooms).
The Pueblo Indian people lived under a matriarchal system: women held religious authority and managed the household, while men tended to agricultural tasks. During excavations and research, archaeologists discovered artifacts inside the homes, such as baskets, pottery, seeds, and ancient farming tools.
The climate in this region is semi-arid. Water for the daily and agricultural needs of the ancient Pueblo ancestors was provided by summer rains, winter snowfall, and seepage into streams near the Mesa Verde villages. In areas at an elevation of about 2,100 meters, the climate is cooler, ideal for agriculture, but low temperatures can also limit water availability for farming. The cliff dwellings were designed to take advantage of solar energy. The low angle of sunlight in winter reaches the cliff houses, while warm winds from the valleys, with air temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, keep the canyon areas warmer than the outside. In summer, these cliff houses also help residents avoid direct sunlight.
By 1300, a prolonged drought led to the collapse of the Pueblo civilization, and the Mesa Verde region was abandoned. However, it is noted that long before that, this area had already seen a decline in population. A very small number of Pueblo people remaining after the 10th century retreated into the deep forests and left the Mesa Verde area in ruins.
Within the national park area, archaeologists have identified up to 4,400 archaeological sites, including homes, villages, and rock cliffs. Notably, the Palace Cliff is considered the largest cliff in North America. Mesa Verde National Park was recognized by UNESCO under criterion (iii): The archaeological sites and landscape of Mesa Verde National Park are evidence of the development of a culture, while also preserving the cultural and historical traditions of the ancient Pueblo people.
Furthermore, another aspect that adds to the mystery of this palace is the kiva (an underground space used by natives for important political meetings) located in the center of the structure. Specifically, the kiva is situated where all rooms are divided by a series of walls with no doors or entrances. The inner and outer walls of the room are painted in two different colors. This has left scholars and visitors scratching their heads about its true purpose.
According to a prevailing hypothesis, it is believed that Cliff Palace served as a social administrative center built for conducting rituals and also housed various clans aside from the natives. This idea stems from the fact that there are many more standard rooms compared to the traditional kiva room of the Pueblo people, specifically around 150 rooms and 20 kivas, indicating that the palace was a place with a close interaction among different ethnic groups.
Undoubtedly, Cliff Palace within Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites and is well worth a visit. Along with providing insight into the lives of the ancient Pueblo people and the history of the area, this architectural marvel also reveals how ancient cultures intersected with one another.
