Explore The Ruins Of A 400-Room Ancient Village At Aztec Ruins National Monument In New Mexico
By Monica Spencer|Published November 07, 2019
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
History is everywhere you step in the Southwest but some spots contain more history than others. If you’re hoping to walk through a location that feels older than time itself, then you may enjoy roaming the grounds of New Mexico’s fascinating ancient sites. Let’s take a look at one location that sometimes gets overlooked.
This is Aztec Ruins National Monument, an expansive ancient Puebloan site that is approximately 900 years old.
The name is a misnomer. American settlers who came across this and other similar relics assumed it was part of the Aztec Empire, thus referring to it as Aztec Ruins. The name stuck even though it became evident the ancestors of modern Pueblo people constructed these buildings.
The monument is composed of several timeworn buildings dating back to the 1100s and strewn across more than 300 acres.
Within the ruin sits several kivas, a subterranean room used by ancient and modern Puebloans for religious and political meetings. The largest at Aztec Ruins is simply referred to as the Great Kiva.
The kiva was reconstructed by archaeologists and measures 40 feet in diameter, making it the largest such kiva. You can walk down into the kiva to get a glimpse of what such an experience may have been like.
In addition to trekking the trails around the ruins, you can also take part in a variety of special events here. For example, in the summer months, the monument hosts evening tours where you can learn about astronomy.
The monument is open daily and hours vary based on the season. You can find details about hours, special events, and more by visiting the national park website. or their Facebook page.
