Existing comment:
The lowered, dirt surface in this enclosure is the flooring of a pithouse, a type of prehistoric dwelling built partially below ground level.
Pithouses are of an architectural style associated with the Hohokam Culture. The Hohokam are thought to hav come to the Verde Valley around AD 600 from the Salt and Gila River Valleys (near Phoenix).
All that remains of this pithouse is the floor. Wall posts rotted away long ago, but the holes where they stood outline this ancient dwelling. By comparing this conceptual drawing with the actual floor, you can locate the entrance and the firepit. The two large holes near the center held the main roof-support timbers. |