Aztec Ruins National Monument facts for kids
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a special place in northwestern New Mexico, USA. It protects ancient buildings made by the Puebloan people. These ruins are near the town of Aztec and the Animas River. They are about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Farmington, New Mexico. Another similar site, the Salmon Ruins, is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) south.
The buildings at Aztec Ruins were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. In the 1800s, American settlers found these ruins. They thought the Aztecs had built them, so they named them the "Aztec ruins." However, the Aztec civilization was actually from central Mexico and did not build these structures.
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What are the Aztec Ruins?
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a national monument that protects a large Ancestral Puebloan community. This community was built and lived in by people who are ancestors of today's Pueblo tribes. The site includes a "Great House" and other smaller buildings.
The Great House
The Great House is the largest building at the site. It has many rooms and was a central gathering place. It was built using stone and wood.
A Special Round Room: The Great Kiva
One of the most important parts of the Great House is the Great Kiva. A kiva is a special round room used for ceremonies and community meetings. The Great Kiva at Aztec Ruins is very large. It has been carefully rebuilt so visitors can see what it looked like long ago.
Who Lived Here?
The people who lived at Aztec Ruins were the Ancestral Puebloans. They were skilled builders and farmers. They lived in this area for hundreds of years.
Life at the Ruins
The Ancestral Puebloans grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants. They built complex homes and communities.
Why Did They Leave?
Around the late 1200s, the Ancestral Puebloans began to leave this area. Scientists believe they might have moved because of long droughts (times with very little rain). They may have also moved to find new resources or join other communities.
Protecting the Past
The Aztec Ruins became a national monument in 1923. This means the U.S. government protects the site. It helps preserve the ancient buildings and artifacts.
Learning from the Ruins
Today, visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the Ancestral Puebloan people. There is a museum at the site. It shows artifacts found at the ruins. These include pottery, tools, and other items.
World Heritage Site
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is also a World Heritage Site. This is a special title given by UNESCO. It means the site is very important to the history and culture of the world.
Images for kids
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The restored Great Kiva at Aztec Ruins
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Map of the Aztec Ruins National Monument
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See also
In Spanish: Monumento nacional de las Ruinas Aztecas para niños
