Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

Cahokia, Chaco, & Mesoamerican Connections

Trace the histories of two contemporaneous ancient societies—and explore their possible connections to Mesoamerica

Top: Monks Mound, Cahokia State Historic Site. Bottom: Ancestral Pueblo site at Chaco Canyon.

October 6–14, 2012

$3,495 (member*)
$3,620 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: Aug. 6, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Chaco, located in northwestern New Mexico, and Cahokia, located in southern Illinois, were "capitals" of the two most impressive ancient societies north of Mesoamerica: Pueblo and Mississippian. The two were similar in many ways—their rise and fall spanned the tenth through thirteenth centuries A.D.; both are notable for their monumental architecture; and both were cosmopolitan urban centers, enjoying continent-wide connections. But (so far) archaeologists have found no evidence of direct contact between them.

This fascinating study tour will be among the first attempts to consider Chaco and Cahokia in their continental context, which includes the rich histories of Mesoamerican civilizations to the south. Are the parallel trajectories of Chaco and Cahokia the result of parallel evolutionary developments? Or are their histories linked through shared connections to Mesoamerica? Led by specialists in all three areas, we will explore these questions and many others as we travel to both Chaco and Cahokia, the two most important sites of their respective regions.

Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park (including Pueblo Bonito), Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, and Cahokia State Historic Site (including Monks Mound)

Discover similarities and differences between Pueblo and Mississipian cultures and compare both with Mesoamerican civilizations

Learn how social stratification develops, and how it is identified in the archaeological record

Participate in thought-provoking panel discussions that seek to shed light on some of the "big questions" in North American archaeology

Scholars

Dr. Stephen Lekson, professor and curator of anthropology at the University Museum, University of Colorado, is a leading authority on Chaco. His theories, especially those about the "Chaco Meridian," in which he proposes a link between Chaco and fifteenth-century Paquimé in Mexico, have captured the attention of archaeologists and the public alike.

Dr. Timothy Pauketat, professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, studies the historical relationships between identity, religion, politics, and everyday life in ancient North America. For the past 14 years, Tim's research on Mississippian culture at Cahokia has influenced archaeologists' understanding of the development of social complexity.

Dr. Gerardo Gutierrez, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Colorado, specializes in Mesoamerican archaeology. His research interests include the spatial analysis of political and territorial competition of Mesoamerican polities previous to, and during the expansion of, the Aztec Empire.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Saturday, October 6
Arrival in Durango, Colorado; introduction and program overview; lodging in Durango (D)

Sunday, October 7
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl; lodging in Farmington, New Mexico (B, L, D)

Monday, October 8
Aztec Ruins, Chimney Rock; lodging in Durango (B, L, D)

Tuesday, October 9
Museum tour, panel discussion; lodging in Durango (B, L, D)

Wednesday, October 10
Fly from Durango, Colorado, to St. Louis, Missouri; evening program on ancient Mississippian culture; lodging in St. Louis (B, L, D)

Thursday, October 11
Cahokia State Historic Site, Monks Mound, East St. Louis Group; lodging in St. Louis (B, L, D)

Friday, October 12
Common Fields, Sainte Genevieve; lodging in Sainte Genevieve (B, L, D)

Saturday, October 13
Wrap-up panel discussion; lodging in St. Louis (B, L, D)

Sunday, October 14
Departure from St. Louis (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50