The Mystery of the Ancient Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde, Colorado, USA | Ancient Architects

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for watching! Please like and subscribe and please leave a comment below. If you want to support the channel, I’m on Patreon at www.patreon.com/ancientarchitects

[@vickonstark7365]

From an American, you did a great job in this video and I’d love to see more! 👍🏼😁 I never miss any of your videos.

[@robnedloh9686]

Mural at 4:25 worthy of it's own video. Has anyone deciphered these images? (ie; horns on humans?, Cowboys on horses?)

[@greatskytrollantidrama4473]

These people were under siege on a regular basis.

[@greatskytrollantidrama4473]

@@robnedloh9686 there's loads of interpretations and layers of art.

[@catman8965]

Definitely has it's own beauty. GOOD WORK

[@aimanashole]

Ceremonial... the archaeologist word for "i don't know"

[@AncientArchitects]

Lol. In this case, descendants of these people still use kiva-like structures for ceremony so there is a shred of evidence to go on. Just!

[@pilgrimm23]

@@AncientArchitects indeed. I once attended a dance at the Cochiti Pueblo. Truly facinating one time in life experience.

[@anonagain]

@@AncientArchitects More than a shred - today's Hopi still use Kivas in the same way their ancestors did. Unfortunately thanks to poor behavior and disrespect from tourists, the ceremonies are now closed to the public and they don't share the sacred parts of their history or culture. I do know the sipapu symbolizes the portal through which their ancient ancestors first emerged to enter the present world. They also know what the ancient petroglyphs mean, but again don't share in most cases.

[@escapedcops08]

@@AncientArchitects The "descendants" are not the true descendants, they don't really have a clue about how it was originally used. Other groups have better theories, but in reality, the kivas are complete mystery as to it's purpose.

[@llr1784]

@@escapedcops08 "Kiva" is used as a catch all for semi subterranean circular structures in the region. Many of the smaller ones contain mostly domestic refuse. It would make sense as the people who built these lived in similar pit structures before they began building the above ground room blocks. It is the larger kivas, or great kivas, that seem to show a more ritual function. But you are right, we don't know what was going on, and it probably isn't cut and dried either.

[@benleonard8571]

Interesting, but that monotone, singsong chant makes me want to SCREAM!

[@dmc2554]

BBC accent fr HELL....

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

YESSS!

[@andrewSUN17]

totally agree...super annoying! Surprised this person does not recognize this.

[@jimjimellell]

Get over it, cousin!

[@ericjamieson]

He sounds like he's announcing train times.

[@williamkeith8944]

I've worked on archeological sites in this region. There are many, many sites, the most impressive is Pueblo Bonita at Chaco Canyon not too far from Mesa Verde. Great places to visit. The Puebloan people still live in these areas!

[@AncientArchitects]

Awesome - I’ll look into this!

[@Tibbers12]

@@AncientArchitects also check out the sun temple also at Mesa verde. It's basically a large protractor probably used as part calendar part ruler.

[@lokisingularity3394]

I'll have to check it out after winter.

[@illimitabilities]

I grew up a few hours from here and spent numerous days exploring the area. Definitely one of the coolest places I have ever visited. The whole four corners region is absolutely loaded with Native American and dinosaur treasures.

[@AncientArchitects]

Yes - beautiful and interesting place

[@stevenhuckabay7997]

I already wanted tho go but you said native treasures made me want to even more. When I was around 7 I found an arrow head and been in love with native history sense then. Ancient history as well

[@canthama2703]

Great shift from Egypt, remarkable place indeed, one can feel the energy of the place, large rocks, view, scenes, gorge, ancient people knew how to live well.

[@AncientArchitects]

Every few videos I need a change of content for my own brain! And I’m sure the viewers like a change of scene too!

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

How do you feel the energy? Please elaborate. Does it implant strength in your body to look at the photo?

[@user-mq1up2fw4r]

There are obvious signs of water being here at one point... Let me start by saying I'm no geologist or scientist, but I've visited Mesa Verde several times in recent years, and in my honest opinion, I believe everything about this location points to the notion that the canyons were once filled with water and that the waterways were the primary source of transportation for these people. First off, the most easily identifiable piece of evidence for this is the clear signs of water erosion on the cliff face, canyon floor, and dense foliage in the canyon itself. I believe the proper term for the particular erosion I am describing at Mesa Verde is called 'Gulley Erosion'? Along with this, when you closely look at the various locations of the Mesas, (there are nearly a dozen different 'Mesas' within the park itself) every one of the structures located within a close proximity of one another are at the EXACT SAME ELEVATION WITHIN THE CANYONS, with clear, indistinguishable signs of water erosion just below these various Mesas! I can't make this stuff up, I kept telling my girlfriend when we visited 2 months ago, "ANYONE WHO DOESN'T SEE THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR RIVER HERE AT SOME POINT IS BLIND!" Third, the Colorado Plateau, famous for Bruce Canyon, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Canyon of the Ancients, and yes, Mesa Verde was clearly carved by runoff from flood water in an ancient past, as described in numerous papers and websites across the world. It's no secret that the plateau was once a water filled chunk of land, and the signs of runoff through Mesa Verde are clearly evident. For a society that used supposedly used ladders, ropes, and climbed the cliffs for movement and transportation of stone, giant logs, food, and basic materials, there are ZERO Mesas and ZERO signs of human traffic and activity at the floor of the canyons, which should immediately set off flags for anyone with a basic understanding of anthropology and archeology. For anyone who has visited Mesa Verde and looked deeper into this as well, please tell me what your thoughts on it are. I hope this comment doesnt get lost in the vast uselessness of youtube and some great information can be brought forward!

[@c1ifactation]

I know this is a three year old comment but I’m a geologist grad student at cu boulder and you’re right about the creek systems having more water in them but humans where not in North America when the water was higher

[@pamelamorgan7354]

Very interesting theory!

[@celesteessel4500]

Interesting

[@bobsmith6544]

Hurr durr

[@UllysesGordon]

I live in the Navajo region of Arizona and have several sites around me that date back to 11,000 years ago. Kivas, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and lots of tools and pottery. Its fascinating! The evidence of ancient cultures is abundant here in the southwest, and often goes unnoticed.

[@AncientArchitects]

Great place to live!

[@LadyMaven]

We had many in the desert areas around Palm Springs, CA, as well. Some are even in town. However, I always felt that they were being disrespected with not much effort to preserve them. And the Native Americans who live there still own most of the land! Go figure.

[@lilyrrichard236]

@@LadyMaven Maybe they look at them the way we look at old rundown houses. Not as awe inspiring , but as decrepit eyesores.

[@sunshinecasey]

And hopefully continues to go unnoticed

[@gordonyates7972]

My wife and I visited this site a few years ago. You definitely get the feeling of wonder at how they built this small city down such steep terrain.

[@kimhumble7927]

Went as a kid. Always been fascinated. Incredible

[@marialane1805]

You are a bright light on this planet! Thanks for shining it on places that I never knew existed! Namaste 🙏

[@RDDPro]

If you're traveling, this site is a must visit. Much planning went into this layout, a layout which also was designed to ensure longevity.

[@sunshinecasey]

Just got back a couple of weeks ago from exploring around Durango, Silverton, etc and had the opportunity to do this tour at Cliff Palace. We actually took a bus from Durango so that's about a 1.5 hour drive and our driver, Wes, was absolutely fascinating. He has been doing National Park guides for about 40 years, including the Grand Canyon. A teacher, historian, philosopher.. and willing to teach us about the history of the Pueblo people. I learned so much in those 3 hours driving there and back. Getting to actually see and touch the kivas was absolutely amazing. Walking down into the palace...it's other-worldly. I cried my eyes out. The energy here is BIG and it's so easy to feel. It's pretty amazing because also because as massive as it looks, it actually goes back 9 more layers (if I'm not mistaken) and contains 150 rooms. Simply astounding. Especially if you can imagine that you wouldn't have seen any of that exposed rock, it would've been covered in plaster and then painted different colors. I bet it was GORGEOUS 🥰. The engineering they displayed is really quite impressive... If you're able, just go.

[@Majickcharm]

Thank you for taking the time. I am a little more educated now. Thanks

[@maggiedoja]

Strange feeling of having been there before .... thanks for doing a piece on this place

[@cameleonfleuri]

I understand. You certainly have been there in a past life, for sure! 😊

[@dougg1075]

I’m tired of learning stuff I never knew! It blows my self image:) thanks

[@AncientArchitects]

Ha. Thanks

[@focusrssteve]

Love this comment! Cheers!

[@leftofyou]

I have had the pleasure of taking the tour through this they are amazing and the whole valley is wonderful.

[@AncientArchitects]

I need to visit one day after learning about it.

[@leftofyou]

I should also mention our guide said she had been there on the summer solstice to observe alignments of the sun through certain windows, of one of the locations, and that I remember a dwelling on the cliffs they said was used to keep live animals such as turkeys. Also, the place we see it as today, was not discovered in that condition. Whether the rubble fell naturally over the centuries or it was intentionally dismantled before being abandoned, I am unsure.

[@leftofyou]

@@AncientArchitects I saw this on the same road trip that I saw Newspaper Rock and many other Southwest sites. If you go someday, I recommend renting a vehicle to really experience it.

[@herriottsfindings5059]

I really like these places. I see how their ideal for everything you say in the video. Definitely would like to learn more about these kind of places.

[@lotwizzard1748]

check out old arizona highways magazines. these were often featured. some of the best photography ever

[@pamelahomeyer748]

Such a magical place

[@allen0937]

I went there when I was a kid and I remember that the ladders to get around were so scary!

[@AncientArchitects]

Ha... I’m not great with heights myself.

[@katlur]

allenyusuke Me too, back in the 50s

[@allen0937]

@@katlur wow! For me it was 15 years ago! And I got a special park ranger badge for completing the tour. Did they have that in the 50s?

[@michaelheiser9421]

Ya i went also when I was a youngin and got sick as fuck for whatever reason so the memory I have isn’t great.

[@sanjuanagasca4124]

Never heard of this findings in Colorado what school text books don't teach us. Thank for the video.

[@kylehollie]

My family is there right now. I broke my foot and was unable to go so I was glad to find this video to sort of be there. Great info thanks

[@thecryptonaut5329]

I just visited this site this past August!!! Amazing site! While the kivas were used for ceremony or whatever, they were also used as the daily fire place for most families, and the reason there were 21 built at this location is because they believe there were 21 different families living in the Palace dwelling. When a man got married, he would join his wifes family and move to their Kiva for most activities.

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for that! Interesting!

[@lynnmitzy1643]

Thanx for the beautiful pictures. ❤⛰❤and great vid

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks Lynn!

[@michaelrojas8658]

I went here as a kid and loved it

[@charlottethien3749]

Thank you for this post . I plan to use this for my granddaughters, grades 6th and 1st, who I home school . 📚 Very informative .

[@kingsoloman2u458]

Great work as always So much to uncover here It deserves your full attention though so please wait until u are ready Your work is unparalleled when u are in the grove

[@tavferry3301]

Being from Utah, I remember learning about this in the fifth grade. Truly beautiful to imagine what that place was like when it was inhabited. Stunning architecture.

[@jamesminervini1251]

I've been there. I stayed in Cortez for work. The whole area is breathtaking, and has a feeling to it.

[@johnnorth9355]

I had seen basic images of this site before but nothing that showed it so clearly in all of it's glory. Thank you so much for this Matt - much appreciated.

[@AncientArchitects]

Thank you for watching

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Such a beautiful flow to the buildings nesting inside the cliff. Like a baby in it's mothers arms.

[@melodyclark4347]

I saw these as a child. They are utterly fascinating and intriguing. Thanks for bringing them back to life.

[@EMurph42]

Born & raised in Colorado, this vid ROCKS! No pun intended. I’ve always felt these were much older then reported. I believe there’s more then meets the eye just like Peru. I love your work, this made my day. Thank you

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for watching

[@cameleonfleuri]

Ya, much older than what the official story tells us, like for all those very ancient sacred sites worldwide, constructed according to the Lay lines (energetic grid of Earth), the sacred geometry, the position of the stars, which produce special phenomena at equinoxes and solstices, and are place of high energies and mysticism. ;)

[@ingridholm985]

Thank you for bringing other cultures than the Egyptian, we all could learn a lot closer to home

[@Scooot1972]

What a beautiful place. The brickwork at the front looks like was done yesterday and is just waiting to be finished. Great video again 👍👏

[@chrisbinkley7938]

That was my mother's favorite place in the world.

[@thefirmamentalist9922]

I had a school field trip to that site! Pine nuts everywhere! Lots of wildlife!

[@Ron4885]

Congrat's on that. I'd love to see it.

[@vonscharf]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks

[@Joe_Galaska]

Finally I can say I have been to one of the historic sites you have covered. There is much yet to be discovered as they continue to find other dwellings that have been hidden by thick foliage only to be exposed by wild fire.

[@AncientArchitects]

Hopefully more finds and information comes to light 👍

[@jamesmccormick6517]

Been to mesa Verde. Very awesome. Much to explore. A whole civilization expanding into new mexico

[@STRAKAZulu]

I've been fascinated by places like this ever since reading about them as a kid. If you need to take a break from Ancient Egypt, I wouldn't object to seeing more about sites like this.

[@whyalwaysme2522]

I love this channel. Thank you very much.

[@ejf2894]

Another great doc...

[@AncientArchitects]

Thank you

[@herriottsfindings5059]

Oh how I would love to fix a place like that up and live there

[@AncientArchitects]

Now that would be incredible! Party at your house!

[@maggiedoja]

Ancient Architects ooo yes I agree! I’ll bring the party libations*wink *wink If I could I’d psychically look back, would be amazing to visit with one who lived there way back in time....⛰

[@marsenstudio2208]

Sawpit, CO is the modern version of this. On the way to telluride, you will find a gas station/market with 2 / 4 pumps. Small village where we all started.

[@michaelpruitt6573]

Fantastic buildings.

[@rachelthompson9324]

Been there, mind blowing place.

[@greatskytrollantidrama4473]

Chaco canyon is absolutely fantastic.

[@AncientArchitects]

👍

[@anonagain]

Nice to see a video about ancient architecture in my part of the world - thanks! I live 7 miles from ruins of a small Anasazi village and have found numerous petroglyphs in the area. If you're interested in the topic, may I suggest researching the ruins at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico? The astronomical alignments rival those of any other ancient site. There is a video by PBS - believe it was called "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon" that you can usually find online - makes a good starting place. Thanks again!

[@AncientArchitects]

A few have said this and it’s now on my radar! Thank you

[@Magnetron33]

I have been there several times and walked and climbed through it. Amazing place. The Mesa is very large!

[@宮路次郎-n6w]

Thank You.

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for watching

[@clayguy1]

I remember going there in the 1950s with mom and dad... It left an indelible impression on my young mind.. Especially when I had my first contact with Native American people who would dance in full regalia... It impressed me so much, I chose to sculpt that subject to this day... Thank you for this reminder..

[@AncientArchitects]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing the personal connection

[@TrikeSquadron]

AH.. I have been there twice in my life. very cool place to visit. I did the walk though of it once.

[@AncientArchitects]

👍👍

[@penneyburgess5431]

I seen others talk about this place. You have put it in a beautiful perspective.

[@erho2967]

Been there!! There’s so many of these albeit smaller ones tucked away throughout a massive system of valleys and mesas. On top there are large round cisterns all connected to springs via small rock channels. It’s a whole other videos worth!

[@maxhunter3574]

I've been to a similar site near Sedona, Az. Great place to visit if you can. The energy out there is amazing.

[@tinaking3881]

Excellent Thank you

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for watching

[@MicrobyteAlan]

I really like the ancient americas. So much is unknown. Thanks from Orlando Florida

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks for watching

[@donbrutcher4501]

Been there. Weirdly enchanting.

[@gibbsm]

That place is so cool to visit and walk around, there are tons of other ruins around there that you can walk thru too.

[@jimitheearthling1469]

Great subject,enigmatic. I wasn't aware of the murals. Randall Carlson goes in depth about the culture of this region & the geometry & astrology at various sites & the dead straight roads connecting them.

[@AncientArchitects]

I’ll check his stuff out. Thanks

[@patzeuner3362]

You are aware that the area you looking at is primarily flat. The shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line.

[@jimitheearthling1469]

@@patzeuner3362 basically that's true but there are some areas where the roads cross over, instead of around, some significant geographical features.

[@leanestaab4636]

Never heard of this place! Thanks

[@jonathanpoitras5083]

Spent 4 days at Mesa Verde along my adventures through the 4 Corners. Cannot wait to get back.

[@dougreimer2912]

Nice to see that recent episodes have put aside promoting the 'independent research' angle and focused on known history.

[@silenceisgolden705]

It is an awesome site, much more to see there, plan to camp and stay a couple of days to see it all.

[@marypetrie3513]

It's amazing, I have been there it's amazing!

[@nancywood2832]

Great vidieo. Must visit there. Thank you

[@AncientArchitects]

👍

[@adamofgrayskull7735]

As always 🤘😜🤘 you are the man thank you

[@AncientArchitects]

Thank you 🤘

[@-securoserv-5982]

You read this article like A newspaper boy from the 1900s Which I don’t have a problem I love your videos keep up the great work

[@lpz123]

THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! I have visited the cave dwellings in manitou Colorado and they have the same exact ceremonial pit and sipapu! Ancient people were very interesting.

[@uwebauer906]

I stay 92 their.. A Faszinaded Monument 🙏

[@TheMosvald]

The ceremonial "pits/rooms" and there placement made me think of Gobekli tepe. Great vid! Keep it up.

[@AncientArchitects]

👍

[@dedet6900]

Excellent point!

[@DunderMifflin_ThisisPam]

I was just going to make the same comment! 🤓

[@mattking993]

Nice video. I vote yes on doing more about them.

[@stevemackelprang8472]

It is a cool place, been there a couple of times, once just looking at it from afar, once over in it.. long time ago both times. There are also lots of small "cliff dwellings" upstream along the Colorado River, and after the confluence of the Green River and the Colorado,, one can see them along the Green River too.

[@annesummers09]

Love your videos and I like all the research.

[@mitch11green]

I was born near here. On that map, the small town of Durango , Colorado.

[@StephiSensei26]

Thank you!

[@eamonnsiocain6454]

Yes, more videos on this topic would be welcomed.

[@lotwizzard1748]

check out old arizona highways magazines

[@joshjones4558]

I'll have to check this out one day!

[@narcisogarcia8112]

Nice and great content!!! Great job!!

[@MilciadesAndrion]

This site is fascinating and mysterious. Its inhabitants built this small city with approximately 150 rooms during the 13th century A.D. and they used construction methods and architectural designs like the ancient Romans. Apparently, there was no relationship. Due to unknown reasons, the city was abandoned. Great video.

[@bulldawg4498]

I toured the Mesa Verde ruins in the mid-'60's ... It was an impression place, and I felt a definite energy there ...

[@coleteachman6980]

Great work per ‘us Matt

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks

[@canovwrms2684]

Interesting video..Thank you

[@saiwig]

I visited this place with my family around 35 years ago. I wasn't fond of the ladders but did it as I wanted to see the ruins. I don't remember seeing all of it and would love to go back sometime and take my kids.

[@fatimanaqvi2976]

Thanks for sharing...

[@aaronandrews3059]

That's my home land. I love the anasazi and the southwest four corners area. I have hiked to multiple ruins. Some of the best preserved are in Grand gulch. Moon house ruin, the citadel, the doll house and many others. Thank you for featuring a group of people near and dear to my heart

[@AncientArchitects]

👍👍

[@aaronandrews3059]

@@AncientArchitects Hovenweep national monument is also another amazing place. Growning up in San Juan County Utah got me hooked on Archeology as a boy. We always found pot shards, flint arrow heads, and ruins. Love your channel

[@andreacavalcanti6857]

Its really intresting this momument have proved that there are various civilazitions and tribes has inhabited this region

[@jeramiajaco3934]

Wow! Super happy, and very surprised, to see a video on a structure in my home state, after watching your channel for awhile I never expected to see Mesa Verde. Though the accepted explanation, about the anasazi and why they left the Pueblo civilization, water shortages? I don't know

[@mountainmover9141]

Would love to see more on this subject, and any relationship to Montezuma's Castle & Well in Arizona.

[@alexn6817]

Montezumas well was occupied by the Hohokam much later than Mesa verde. There’s historical photos of the people living there. You can get a lot of info just from their park website. Montezumas well contains a gas that makes the water uninhabitable to animals. There is only a specific type of leach that lives in the water. Supposedly the water bubbles up from deep underground.

[@bobbiwolfgang]

Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon are endlessly fascinating. I have listened to several teachings from Hopi Elder, Clifford Mahooty. HE is a great teacher about his ancestors, the Anasazi.

[@Northenstar13]

Very interesting video thanks

[@robertnelson8979]

VERY NICE VIDEO BIG GUY ! There are a few cool ones in Arizona too. Liked the new score also. Tank's for your GOOD WORK !!! 👍 See you when I'm looking at you ! 🖖 😎

[@sedette123]

Nice pictures . 👍

[@AncientArchitects]

👍

[@gern5108]

Cliffs to help protect against plasma. They drew plasma outbursts in the petroglyphs.

[@DavidVining1]

Clearly more modern construction techniques than the locals were capable of. Perhaps learned from the Minoan copper traders who wintered over in the Southwest before sailing back. This would have been a few thousand years before CE. The cliff dwellings were clearly built to avoid detection, and destruction from airborne or spaceborne enemies.

[@jayare5483]

Great video💙💙💙💙💙

[@AncientArchitects]

Thank you

[@batican8367]

Awesome video. I must check this place out.

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Great video.

[@AncientArchitects]

Thanks

[@markspeed314]

I never ever, ever, ever, ever , knew there where structures like this in North America... So much for the Wild Wild West ..Thanks for this video...

[@kcvail7409]

There are many in the four corners area of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Many national parks, monuments, and historical sites like this. Well worth the trip.

[@tyrssen1]

Looks like it would have been a rather cool place to live!

[@EngPheniks]

It sounds cool to live here, provided you have all the essential necessities.