NOVA Season 1 Episode 13 Mystery of the Anasazi (The)

NOVA season 1 episode 13 is titled "Mystery of the Anasazi." The episode focuses on the archaeological mystery of the Anasazi people who inhabited the American Southwest from around 1AD to 1300AD. The Anasazi, also known as the Ancient Puebloans, were known for their elaborate stone and adobe Cliff Dwellings.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Anasazi people and their culture. The Anasazi built their homes high up on cliffs in the Southwest, which provided them with protection from their enemies and the hot summer sun. These dwellings are incredibly complex, with multiple rooms, ventilation systems, and water collection systems. They were also known for their pottery, weaving, and artwork.

Despite the extensive research done on the Anasazi, there are still many mysteries surrounding their disappearance in the late 13th century. The episode explores some of these mysteries and tries to shed light on what may have happened to these ancient people.

The first mystery the episode explores is the sudden mass abandonment of the Cliff Dwelling sites. The Anasazi people seemed to have left almost everything behind, including their pottery and other belongings. Theories abound on what may have caused this sudden exodus, including a prolonged drought or an attack from enemy tribes. The episode looks at evidence from the surrounding area, such as evidence of a drought, in an attempt to unravel this mystery.

Another mystery the episode investigates is the role of the Anasazi's religious beliefs in their disappearance. Some archaeologists believe that the Anasazi were practicing a form of human sacrifice, and that this practice may have led to their downfall. The episode examines evidence of violence and human remains found at some of the Cliff Dwelling sites to see if there is any truth to this theory.

The episode also explores the possibility that the Anasazi were victims of their own success. The population in the Southwest grew rapidly during the Anasazi period, and this growth may have put pressure on the resources available in the area. As the population expanded, there may have been increased competition for resources, leading to conflict between the Anasazi communities. The episode examines evidence of violence and cannibalism found at some of the Cliff Dwelling sites to see if this could be a possibility.

Finally, the episode investigates the possibility that the Anasazi simply moved on to a new area. Some archaeologists believe that the Anasazi left the Southwest and migrated to other parts of the country, such as the Mississippi River Valley. The episode examines evidence of trade between the Anasazi and other cultures in different parts of the country to see if this theory has any basis in fact.

Overall, "Mystery of the Anasazi" is a fascinating exploration of one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in American history. The episode looks at the evidence with an open mind, presenting multiple theories in an attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the Anasazi people. For anyone interested in American history or archaeology, this is a must-watch episode of NOVA.