PAST EXPLORATIONS

Mystery Explored: Mystery of the Anasazi
Expedition Dates: May 23 – June 4, 2004

Summary:

In the American Southwest, there’s mystery more puzzling and beautiful than the magnificent stone cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. Why did the Anasazi Indians (Ancestral Puebloans) suddenly move their villages to these perilous cliffs in the 13th century—and then abandon them just decades later? Why did they seemingly disappear from the landscape and history? Was it drought? Invading tribes? Cannibalism? I traveled throughout the Four Corners of the US to piece together the story from both archaeologists and Native Americans.

Sponsoring Institution: The History Channel

Experts involved: Dr. Jeff Dean, University of Arizona Dr. John Kantner, George State University Mr. Archie Hanson, Indian Camp Ranch Mr. Dawa Taylor, Hopilavayi Program Mr. Vaughn Hadenfeldt, Far Out Expeditions Ms. Sue Johnson-Erner, Mesa Verde NP Mr. Bob “Bubba” Peters, Powered Paraglider

Locations Visited: Farmington, New Mexico, USA Thoreau, New Mexico, USA Cortez, Colorado, USA Bluff, Utah, USA Chaco Culture National Historic Park, USA Mesa Verde National Park, USA

<< BACK