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The Citadel / Natural Features
The Citadel
It was a remarkable achievement, to use primitive mortar and local stones to build the walls above you straight up from the edge of the top of the rock. "The Citadel" is the modern name given to this ruin because of its location, but archeologists wonder why the Anasazi often built in high, hard-to-get-at places. Some theories say it was defensive. Others say it was to avoid building on croplands, or for sun and breeze. Or was it more simple? Today we often build on hilltops because it is dramatic and beautiful.
Natural Features
The large circular "sink" behind you is a natural depression that occurs in limestone. Sinks are caused by a crack system that allows rainwater to dissolve limestone and collapse anything above it. They do not hold water. Beyond the sink rise the San Francisco Peaks. These volcanic mountains are the highest point in Arizona. Modern day Hopi and Navajo people consider these mountains sacred. |