Pueblo Bonito – Chaco Canyon Ruin – New Mexico
Pueblo Bonito, located in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the American Southwest and a centerpiece of Ancestral Puebloan culture. Constructed between 850 and 1150 CE, this massive multi-story complex is the largest of the great houses in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Pueblo Bonito features over 600 rooms and 40 kivas (ceremonial structures), reflecting sophisticated architectural planning and engineering. The structure’s precise alignment with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes, highlights the advanced understanding of astronomy by the Chacoan people.
Pueblo Bonito served as a ceremonial, administrative, and possibly residential hub for the Chacoan culture, which thrived in the region during its height. It was part of an extensive network of roads, outlying communities, and trading routes that connected the canyon to distant regions. Artifacts found at the site, including turquoise, pottery, and seashells, indicate trade connections spanning hundreds of miles. Despite its prominence, Pueblo Bonito and the Chacoan culture experienced a decline around the late 12th century, likely due to environmental changes, resource depletion, and social factors. Today, Pueblo Bonito remains a symbol of the ingenuity and cultural achievements of the Ancestral Puebloans, drawing researchers and visitors from around the world.