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The disappearance of the Anasazi

According to researcher Jack Hartung, late in June, 1178, Gervase of Canterbury, an acquaintance of Archbishop Thomas Becket, and a chronicler, wrote the following tale about a meteor striking the moon:

"From the midpoint of this division a flaming torch sprang up, spewing out, over a considerable distance, fire, hot coals, and sparks. Meanwhile, the body of the moon which was below writhed, as it were, in anxiety.This phenomenon was repeated a dozen times or more, the flame assuming various twisting shapes at random and then returning to normal.
Then after these transformations the moon from horn to horntook on a blackish appearance. The present writer was given this report by men who saw it with their own eyes"

Unknown to Gervase, far from Canterbury, a group of Native Americans, skilled in astronomy, resided in the Chaco Canyon region of what is now New Mexico in the United States. They are referred to as the Anasazi, a Navajo word explaining and designating this group. In the Navajo language, the meaning of "Anasazi" is "Enemy Ancestors", or a people whose ancestors were our enemy. The actual name of this group of Native Americans is unknown.

The Anasazi resided in the Chaco Canyon region for approximately 7,000 years. Based upon the name given to them by the Navajo, it can be inferred that the Navajo and the Anasazi did not co-exist peacefully for many of these years. By the late 11th Century, however, even the Navajo openly traded with the Anasazi, to the mutual benefit of both groups.

The Chaco Canyon region had become a major trading center in the New World, one with extensive contacts with Native American groups in Mexico, as well as with the Navajo. In addition to the burgeoning trade which they had established, the Anasazi excelled in tending the many gardens they grew throughout the Chaco Canyon region. New pottery techniques were introduced. It appeared as though the prosperity of the Anasazi would continue for many years.

According to archaeologists, beginning possibly as early as 1150 A.D., the Anasazi suddenly began to leave the Chaco Canyon region, in stark contrast to their apparent prosperity. By 1300 A.D., they had completely abandoned the Chaco Canyon, leaving evidence of an impressive civilization behind them.

It is known that a climate change occurred during this time, which affected the rainfall on which the Anasazi relied for their crops. It is thought, without enough food to sustain their population, this is why


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    by Peggy Barnett

    According to researcher Jack Hartung, late in June, 1178, Gervase of Canterbury, an acquaintance of Archbishop Thom... read more

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