Aztec Ruins National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico was established in 1923 to preserve a 319-acre site that contains the ruins of a large prehistoric stone and timber pueblo built in the 12th century. The prehistoric village is located in the valley of the Las Animas River. The main ruin is a three-story structure of 500 rooms, built c.1100 and occupied for a period of some 200 years. Adjacent to it is the centerpiece of the ruins, the Great Kiva, a reconstructed circular ceremonial structure that is the largest in North America. Two groups of Indians lived there at different times.