greatest mystery of the american southwest

About 1300 A.D. The Anasazi People "Vanished" But What Really Happened?

Step into the ancient world of the Anasazi, the ancestral Puebloans of the American Southwest, and take a journey that brings the wonders of Chaco Canyon to life. You're about to be transported through time to experience the brilliance of a civilization that flourished in the harsh environments of what is now Northwest New Mexico.

Chaco Canyon was the epicenter of Anasazi culture from AD 850 to 1150, renowned for its monumental public and ceremonial buildings, intricate road system, and advanced astronomical observatories. Its carefully constructed architecture, aligned with celestial bodies, the cycles of the moon and sun, showcases a deep understanding of astronomical phenomena and a complex society that was deeply connected with the rhythms of the earth and sky.

This journey into Chaco Canyon offers more than just facts; it provides an understanding of the Anasazi people—their ingenuity, spirituality, and resilience. You'll discover how they engineered multi-story stone complexes, like Pueblo Bonito, without the wheel or metal tools, and how they sustained their in a land of extreme weather with innovative agricultural and water conservation techniques. 

Engage with the past through an interactive simulation that recreates the grandeur of Chaco Canyon's ancient buildings and the mystery of its celestial observatories. Experience firsthand the architectural wonder of the Great Houses and delve into the purpose behind the enigmatic roads and kivas. Explore the "Sun Dagger," a fascinating celestial calendar that marks the solstices and equinoxes with stunning accuracy, the prime example of the Chacoans' connection with the cycles of the sun and moon.

Embark on a captivating expedition into the heart of the ancient Southwest with the "Chaco Canyon" bundle. This unparalleled collection opens the door to the world of the Anasazi, those fascinating and enigmatic people who suddenly "vanished" in 1300 AD. Situated in the rugged and unforgiving landscape of the American Southwest, Chaco Canyon is the crown jewel of the Anasazi legacy, highligted by their sophisticated architecture and profound celestial knowledge.

Through this carefully curated bundle, you are invited to traverse time and space, immersing yourself in the enigmatic world of Chaco Canyon. This journey is not merely an educational endeavor; it's an enthralling experience designed to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.

Engage with the past and explore the canyon and its treasures in a 3D re-creation the grandeur of Chaco Canyon's ancient buildings and the mystery of its celestial observatories. Experience firsthand the architectural wonder of the Great Houses and delve into the purpose behind the enigmatic roads and kivas. Explore the "Sun Dagger," a fascinating celestial calendar that marks the solstices and equinoxes with stunning accuracy, shedding light on the Chacoans' profound connection with the cosmos.

"Anasazi of Chaco Canyon" Book: Dive deep into the history, culture, and mysteries of the Anasazi with this compelling read. Available for Kindle and other devices at just $9.99.

Audiobook Version: The book comes to life in the audiobook version, narrated by Bo Carson, capturing the essence of Chaco Canyon's enchanting history. Valued at $14.95.

"Anasazi of Chaco Canyon" Computer Game/Simulation: Step into the past with this highly detailed simulation game for Mac or PC. At $47, it's your ticket to explore, excavate, and rebuild the Great Houses of Chaco Canyon in stunning 3D.

Bonus Offer: With any purchase, receive the digital book "Edward Abbey Where Art Thou" and its audiobook version for an additional dive into captivating stories at $9.99 and $14.99, respectively.

All for just $27 available as an instant download.

Let's take a look at some of the features of the computer game. Actually we hesitate to call it just a game, as there is so much more involved. When combined with the book, you'll come away with an in-depth understanding of Chaco Canyon.

A time-lapse video of Chaco Canyon greets you at the Main Menu.

Lets you choose the language, and choose from a selection of background music tracks.

Shows our current progress. We have excavated Penasco Blanco, Casa Chiquita, Pueblo Bonito, and Chetro Ketl. The “Learn Button” tells you the story of that Great House, and the secrets you uncovered while excavating it. First, let’s check out our “Inventory”

Our inventory screen shows all the artifacts we have unearthed so far, with information and a 3D view. Note: These are 3D replicas of ACTUAL treasures found in Chaco Canyon and across the Anasazi range! Now, let’s go back to “Current Progress” and choose “Play Game”

You can choose where to want to excavate next from the “Current Progress” screen, or click on a Great House from the main map. Let’s choose Chetro Ketl.

We can see Chetro Ketl has three areas that need to be excavated. Let’s click on one of them and get started.

This room is covered in 800 years of dust and debris. Use the shovel to start digging and exploring, first by removing the weeds and shrubs.

The excitement builds with each layer of dirt removed.....

We may have found something! We’ll use the magnifying glass to zoom in on the spot and get a closer look.

It looks like we have indeed found something, and it looks like an intact pottery jar. Choose from among your tools; trowel, pick, or brush. Here, we’ll gently brush away the dirt and dig around the artifact. Careful!

Gently brushing away the dirt…….

Once all artifacts are recovered from an excavation area, you can move on to the next. You'll never know what you're going to find......

Once we have excavated all the rooms, we will have learned the story of the Great House, and now have the information necessary to see it in restored condition.

As you restore the ruins of Chaco, you can fly freely across the canyon, and see your progress as the great houses are restored.

To enter “Free Fly” mode, click the button from the main map.

Flying over the cliff behind Pueblo Bonito while it is still in ruined condition.

Pueblo Bonito in restored condition.

Let’s fly to Fajada Butte and see if we can find the legendary “Sun Dagger”

There it is! The three famous sandstone slabs that shape the light and helped the Chacoans determine Solstices and Equinoxes. Let’s peek behind the slabs and see if the petroglyphs are there.

Behind the three sandstone slabs, the spiral petroglyph. Let’s active the “Time of Day” Feature in the software by clicking on the clock button in the lower right of the screen.

Now, we can choose any date and time in history and see what the Sun Dagger actually displayed. Here, we’ve chosen the Winter Solstice in the year 1120, when Chaco was at its peak. It’s amazing to think of the Chacoan Sun Priest watching this very signal at this precise time and announcing to all that the days would begin to get longer.

Once we have excavated all the rooms of all the great houses, flown over the entire canyon, collected invaluable artifacts, and experienced the astronomical wonder of the Sun Dagger, we now have the necessary background to truly appreciate the Grandeur of Chaco Canyon.

No matter how many times you play the computer game, you'll find something new with every exploration. Sit in the great kiva of Casa Rinconada at sunrise on the Summer Solstice, and watch as the light streams through. It's like your own personal time machine.