'Cliff Dwellers'

"Cliff Dwellers" refers to the ancient Ancestral Puebloans who built homes within natural alcoves and caves on the edges of cliffs in the southwestern United States, particularly in present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. These dwellings, such as those in Mesa Verde and Bandelier National Monuments, provided protection from enemies and harsh weather. The term can also be used more generally to describe anyone living in elevated or precarious locations. In historical context, Cliff Dwellers highlight innovative adaptation to environment and resourcefulness in creating durable, strategic residences.