You have read all about the incredible Mesa Verde and may have visited a time or two, but do you know the story behind the Ancient Puebloans who created the intricate dwellings? While the group is long gone, the mystery behind just where they went still baffles archaeologists to this day:
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a stunning historical attraction that houses a whopping 5,000 sites and 600 cliff dwellings, making it the most extensive archaeological preserve in the country.
Constructed after 1000–1100 C.E., the Ancestral Puebloan lived in these above-ground homes (which were built high to help them stay safe from poor weather, enemy tribes, and area wildlife) from about 450 C.E. to 1300 C.E., but why they left and where they went has long remained a mystery.
According to an article from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the reason the group deserted their homes was most likely due to a megadrought and other climate crises but where they went after is still unknown.
While the popular theory is that the group relocated along the northern Rio Grande region of northwestern New Mexico, this has never been proven, as current area residents are reluctant to let anyone test ancient remains.
Since there has been no DNA analysis to confirm this, scientists have turned to the next best thing: testing the area's turkeys, as there were plenty of these ancient bones discovered around Mesa Verde.
After comparing the ancient bones to that of the current turkeys in the northern Rio Grande region of northwestern New Mexico (because yes: the Ancient Puebloans brought their food wherever they moved!), scientists believe they have proof, though they still cannot make an official call.
What do you think: Are the scientists onto something? Did the Ancient Puebloans move to northwestern New Mexico? To learn more about Mesa Verde, check out these 12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Mesa Verde In Colorado.
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