Why did the Anasazi abandon their cities?

Answer 1

I thought there was intertribal warfare going on. That's what I heard anyway. There were tribes moving into the area that were ruthlessly wiping out anyone who got in their way. That's the theory I've heard anyway. Plus there are cave hideouts hidden way up on cliffs that no one in their right mind would try to attack. (Or live in.)


There! Now give me ten points!

Answer 2

One possible idea is because of drought. Scientists have studied the tree rings in this area and have found there were a several severe droughts. In the period between 1125 and 1180, very little rain fell. After 11180, there was return to normal rainfall for a little while. From 1270 to 1274 there was another severe drought, followed by another period of almost normal rainfall. In 1275 another drought began that lasted until about 1289. Of course, without the needed rainfall to grow crops, then starvation and disease take over. It is believed that the Anasazi civilization all but gone by the 1300's.

Answer 3

Global climate change. It got cooler and drier - they had had an aceqia system and watered crops but evidence appears to show that irrigation failed.

Perhaps due to the climate changes pressures were on other people to move, that put pressure on them, can't say. It's about when Navajo came into the 4 corners area, and definitely when uto-aztecans (Utes) moved through. YES there are small high more fortified homes for small family groups dated to just about exactly when Chaco was abandoned, while only the mud huts remained in the agricultural fields.

Answer 4

No one knows for sure. Theories abound: crop failure, warfare, disease, etc. But the bottom line is, nobody knows. That's why it's a mystery.

Answer 5

Climate change is what I remember reading as the reason.
Drought, poor crops, disease, etc.

Answer 6

they couldn't pay the rent