Great House

Definition

Great Houses were large, multi-storied adobe structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) in the Southwestern United States, primarily during the 11th to 13th centuries. These impressive architectural feats served as communal living spaces and centers of social, political, and economic activity, reflecting the complex society of the people who built them. Their design and scale indicate not only advancements in construction techniques but also a significant role in trade networks and cultural exchange among various groups in the ancient Southwest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Great Houses often included hundreds of rooms and were constructed using sandstone blocks and adobe mud, showcasing advanced architectural techniques.
2. These structures were strategically located near vital resources such as water sources and trade routes, facilitating economic interactions with neighboring communities.
3. Great Houses served as both residential spaces and administrative centers, indicating their importance in the social hierarchy of Ancestral Puebloan societies.
4. The decline of Great Houses around the late 13th century may have been linked to climate changes that impacted agriculture and resource availability in the region.
5. Artifacts found within Great Houses, such as pottery and tools, provide insights into the daily lives of their inhabitants and their interactions with other cultures through trade.

Review Questions

• How did the architecture of Great Houses reflect the social structure of Ancestral Puebloan society?
  • The architecture of Great Houses reflects the social structure of Ancestral Puebloan society by indicating a hierarchical organization within these communities. The large size and complexity of Great Houses suggest that they were built for multiple families or clans, pointing to a communal living arrangement. This type of architecture also implies that certain families or leaders held more power and resources, thereby influencing social dynamics and governance in their society.
• Discuss the significance of Great Houses in facilitating trade networks among ancient Southwestern cultures.
  • Great Houses played a critical role in facilitating trade networks among ancient Southwestern cultures by acting as central hubs for economic activity. Their strategic locations near essential resources allowed them to serve as meeting points for traders from various regions. The goods exchanged within these Great Houses—such as pottery, textiles, and tools—reflect not only local production but also long-distance trade connections that enriched cultural exchanges and fostered relationships between different groups.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental changes on the existence of Great Houses and their societies during the late 13th century.
  • Environmental changes had a significant impact on the existence of Great Houses and their societies during the late 13th century. As climate shifts led to prolonged droughts in the Southwest, agricultural production suffered, making it difficult for these communities to sustain their populations. This decline in agricultural viability likely contributed to the abandonment of many Great Houses as people migrated to more hospitable areas or sought new resources. Such movements reshaped social structures and cultural practices, illustrating how closely tied these societies were to their environment.

Related terms

Kiva:

A kiva is a ceremonial room used by Ancestral Puebloans for religious and social gatherings, typically circular in shape and partially underground.

Chaco Canyon:

Chaco Canyon is an archaeological site in northwestern New Mexico that served as a major center for Ancestral Puebloan culture, featuring several Great Houses and extensive trade routes.

Trade Networks: Trade networks were systems of exchange that connected different communities across the Southwest, allowing for the movement of goods, ideas, and cultural practices among various groups.