Anasazi

Ancient Native American culture of the Southwestern United States.

Ancestral Puebloans

The Anasazi were an ancient Native American culture that inhabited the Southwestern United States. They are known for their cliff dwellings, pottery, and advanced agricultural practices.

Etymology

Derived from Navajo words meaning 'ancient enemy' or 'ancestor of the enemy'.

Explain Like I’m 5

The Anasazi, also known as Ancestral Puebloans, were ancient people who lived in the Southwestern United States and built impressive cliff dwellings like those at Mesa Verde.

Fun Facts

They were skilled farmers, cultivating crops like corn, beans, and squash
They built sophisticated irrigation systems to manage water in the arid environment
Their pottery is known for its intricate designs and distinctive styles

FAQ

What does Anasazi mean? It means 'ancient enemy' in Navajo, though the term is now considered outdated
Where did the Anasazi live? They lived in present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah
What are some of their famous structures? Cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon are well-known examples

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

Ancestral Puebloans

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

Native American cultures Pueblo peoples

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Cliff Palace Mesa Verde Chaco Canyon

Meronyms — Parts or Components

pottery cliff dwellings kivas

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

Southwestern United States

Indexes

archaeological site indigenous people pre-Columbian civilization

Built by Tim Jones