Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

The handbook surveys the human history and archaeology of the San Juan River region, tracing prehistoric adaptation from early hunter-gatherers through Basketmaker and Pueblo occupations that produced masonry pueblos and elaborate community sites on the Animas and its tributaries. It summarizes the discovery, exploration, and excavation of a major ruined pueblo, describes architectural features and artifact assemblages, and explains the site's natural setting and resources. The volume also outlines preservation, administration, visitor interpretation, and related regional sites, and offers reading recommendations for further study.