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Montezuma Castle National Monument

Arizona A Guide to Discovery of the Castle, its Builders, and Neighbors

Anonymous

9781465634092
118 pages
Library of Alexandria
Overview
The following are some frequently asked questions about Montezuma Castle HOW DID THEY GET UP THERE? Probably ladders. Although none were found here, remains of ladders have been found at other prehistoric sites. Are there any materials around here from which they could make ladders? Sycamore and Ash are abundant along the fertile riverbed of nearby Beaver Creek. THESE PEOPLE HAD NO WRITTEN HISTORY. HOW THEN DO WE KNOW ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND TIMES? The large mound at the base of the cliff contains over three centuries of trash discarded by the cliff dwellers above. As the layers of food-remains, wornout tools and broken pottery accumulated, an unwritten history of the lives and times of these people was provided. What will our dumps and landfills “tell” future archeologists about our lifestyles? WHY CAN’T WE GO UP THERE? Montezuma Castle is irreplaceable! Most of the structure is over 600 years old and once housed about 50 people. Nearly one-half million people now view this ruin yearly. If the Castle had been open to visitors last year, what would be left for you to enjoy? ARE THESE OPENINGS AN ENTRANCE TO THE CASTLE? No! These two small caves were probably used for food storage. Being high and dry, such walled-up openings were excellent places to store staples.