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Mesa Verde National Park Cliff Palace

Definition

The Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America, located in Mesa Verde National Park. It was built by Ancestral Puebloans around 1190 AD and showcases their architectural, cultural, and societal achievements.

Analogy

Think of the Cliff Palace as a high-rise apartment complex from the 13th century. Just like modern apartments are designed to accommodate many families with shared facilities, this ancient structure housed about 100 people with shared spaces for ceremonies and social gatherings.

Related terms

Ancestral Puebloans: The term refers to an ancient Native American culture that spanned the present-day Four Corners region of the United States. They are known for their unique architecture including cliff dwellings.

Archaeology: This is a scientific study of human history and prehistory through excavation of sites and analysis of artifacts. In context, archaeologists have studied Mesa Verde extensively to understand more about Ancestral Puebloan society.

National Parks Service (NPS): This federal agency manages all national parks in the U.S., including Mesa Verde National Park. Their role includes preserving such historical sites for future generations.