The name Aztec is misleading. The folks who found this place thought it was built by the Central Americans. In fact, it predates them by several hundred years. This is the same culture that created the large pueblos in Chaco Canyon.
Above is a view of the inside of the oldest fully restored kiva in the US. It is the centerpiece of the community. There's more to learn from the brochure.
This is the remains of a large community begun in the early to mid 1100's and lasted until around 1300 (give or take).
In addition to the restored great kiva, there are many others (unrestored) scattered about the site. From the brochure we learn that there are over 500 rooms here so this was not a small village.
It feels like a stark setting when visited in the winter... the bare trees and unadorned stone walls leave a bleak impression. But close your eyes and try to image this place full of people. Industrious people who build things, grow crops, make pottery, and trade with others from many far away places.
Even some of the smaller kivas are not very small.
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