Classic Pueblo period

The Classic Pueblo period, also known as Pueblo III, spanned from approximately 1150 to 1300 CE. This era represents a peak in Ancestral Pueblo culture, characterized by the construction of impressive cliff dwellings and large, multi-story masonry structures. These dwellings, often built in sheltered alcoves or along cliff faces, provided defense and housed significant populations.12

Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn, squash, and beans, remained central to their economy. Craftsmanship, especially in pottery and weaving, reached its zenith during this period, producing finely detailed geometric and figurative designs. The population became increasingly concentrated in these larger communities, with many smaller settlements being abandoned. By the end of the Pueblo III period, a severe drought likely contributed to the eventual abandonment of these major settlements, marking the transition to the Pueblo IV period.132