archaeology of New Mexico

The archaeology of New Mexico explores its rich history through the study of ancient sites, artifacts, and structures left by Native American cultures such as the Ancestral Puebloans, Mogollon, and Navajo, as well as later Spanish and Anglo settlers. This field uncovers how people lived, farmed, traded, and organized their communities over thousands of years. Key sites like Chaco Canyon reveal sophisticated architecture and cultural practices. New Mexico’s archaeology provides insights into human adaptation to desert environments, spiritual beliefs, and cultural continuity, helping us understand the diverse history that shapes the region today.