Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi)

The Ancestral Puebloans, formerly known as the Anasazi, were a Native American culture that inhabited the Four Corners region of the United States from approximately AD 100 to 1300. They are known for their impressive stone dwellings and intricate cliffside architecture, such as those found at Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. The Ancestral Puebloans practiced agriculture, primarily growing corn, beans, and squash, and developed complex social and trade networks. Their society adapted to the arid environment, demonstrating advanced knowledge of irrigation and resource management. They are considered ancestors of contemporary Pueblo tribes in the Southwest.