Developmental Pueblo period

The Developmental Pueblo period, roughly from 750 to 1150 CE, marks a significant phase in the evolution of Ancestral Pueblo culture in the southwestern United States. During this time, architectural styles shifted from earlier pit houses to above-ground structures, often built in rows and incorporating stone masonry. A key development was the increased importance of the kiva, an underground circular chamber primarily used for ceremonial purposes.123

Agriculture became more central, with the introduction of cotton cultivation alongside corn and beans. Pottery production diversified, while basketry became less common. Settlements grew in size and complexity, with some communities featuring numerous rooms. This period laid the groundwork for the later Pueblo III period, known for its impressive cliff dwellings. The descendants of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples are the modern Pueblo tribes.13