No there weren’t a quarter million humans and aliens in Chaco Canyon but the size of the canyon and it being the apparent hub of trading had me thinking of Babylon 5.
The miles long canyon has numerous building along its length. On the tour the ranger mentioned that there were 14 different Kivas or ceremonial rooms.
The largest of the settlements here was Pueblo Bendito. The oldest parts of the pueblo date back to the 800s. They continued expanding into the 1200s and a depiction of the site in its heyday can be seen on the Chaco brochure.
People traveled for many miles – some coming from Hovenweep and Mesa Verde, others coming from South America. There were pots with the Mayan drink of Mole (chocolate and chili) and parrots from South America. Turquoise, which was not mined here, was another big trade item.
Hiking in the valley we saw other small dwellings and ruins. We were challenged by a particularly narrow section of the South trail at Casa Rinconda.
Petroglyphs are everywhere though some were scratched out about the time they left.
Officially they say this place was not abandoned and that it is not in ruins.
Abandoned – left without needed protection, care or support.
Ruins – the remains of a building in decay
After exploring the valley for a few days, abandoned ruins seems like an apt description.
They are also described as a sacred place and part of our history. That I would agree with.