Rewriting Southwestern prehistory: new studies suggest an overarching political system dominated much of the Southwest from A.D. 850 to 1500

Article Abstract:

Three major prehistoric sites in the Southwestern US are aligned along a meridian line. The sites of Chaco Canyon and Aztec Ruins in New Mexico and Casas Grandes in Mexico did not flourish at the same times, but may have been located in a north-south alignment to indicate cultural continuity. Chaco Canyon flourished from 850 to 1125 AD; Aztec Ruins, 55 miles to the north, from 1110-1275; and Casas Grandes, 390 miles to the south, from 1250-1500. A road called the Great North Road connects Chaco Canyon and Aztec Ruins, although no road has yet been found connecting Casas Grandes with the other sites. The Four Corners area was completely abandoned not long after 1275.

United States, Antiquities, Pueblos (Native American people), Pueblos (Native Americans), Land settlement patterns, Prehistoric, Prehistoric land settlement patterns, Southwestern United States, Chaco Canyon National Monument, New Mexico, Casas Grandes, Mexico

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Prehistory of warfare: humans have been at each others' throats since the dawn of the species

Article Abstract:

Depictions on ancient artifacts, architectural specifics, and physical evidence on bodies demonstrate that war has long been a part of human history. Based on ebbs and tides in this evidence, the author posits that war is linked to the availability of resources, which in turn is intrinsic to the climate and environment. Implications for future studies are discussed.

Analysis, Cover Story, Portrayals, Military history, Art and war, Social archaeology

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Mixed messages

Article Abstract:

The pyramids at Giza are not only themselves objects of historical interest, but contemporary human interactions with the site have also become research-worthy. The article tracks human activity as portrayed by detritus found at the site, including tram tickets, chewing-gum wrappers and a newspaper from 1944.

Egypt, Usage, Excavations (Archaeology), Archaeological methods, Pyramids (Giza, Egypt)

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