Posts
It’s not really a castle and Montezuma probably never even heard of it. But Montezuma’s Castle in the Verde Valley of Arizona was the cliffside dwelling of the 12th century Sinagua Indians. Early settlers attributed the dramatic structure to Aztec emperor Montezuma with enough certainty that the name stuck even if the facts didn’t fit.
–>
Serenely nestled within the recesses of a limestone cliff, the five-story structure blends into the surrounding stone with mixed success. The natural rust and cream colors of the primitive buildings merge easily with the rocky frame that holds them so high. But the smoothed walls and squared windows of the ancient community sit in stunning contrast to the craggy limestone.
Comprised of native limestone, mud, adobe plaster and sycamore wood, the twenty-room high-rise was accessed only by climbing a series of ladders. Borrowing a cup of anything from your neighbor was not for the faint of heart! Elevation permitted ample warning of approaching dangers, security from enemies and animals, and a clear view of Beaver Creek, an integral source of their sustenance.
The history and culture of the tribe is fascinating as is the striking geology of the area. I found my mind wandering to more basic questions however…
When, for instance, could a Sinaguan mother trust her child to wander from her protective sight? Did the children freely climb down to play beside the tree-lined stream below or look at it with longing as they hid in the cliffs above? Did the Sinaguas’ rigorous life ever allow them to appreciate the artistic sprawl of stark white sycamores against the bold blue sky? Were all content living in their aerie home or did the younger ones long for something new, something different? Was there ever time to dream of the world beyond?
Difficult living can lead to economical curiosities. I wonder if these ancient people had the luxury of wondering…
Montezuma’s Well lies eleven miles to the north. The highly carbonated limestone sinkhole is not fish-friendly but hosts five endemic species. The well was a significant irrigation source for the Hohokam Indians of the 8th century and later peoples such as the Sinaguas.
Again, Montezuma’s name is his only real connection to the well. If those Aztec-crazy artifact-labeling settlers had traveled further north, one has to wonder what we’d be calling the Grand Canyon today.
April 30, 2008 |
Comments
7 Comments so far
Top Commentators
Most Popular Posts
- Why Our Kids Need To Fail!
- Secrets and Why We Keep Them
- Sign Sign Everywhere A Sign
- A Dark Night Brings Commitment to Life
- I Die Daily
- What Do You Know About Healing?
- Road to Zion (National Park, Utah)
- Sherpa de' la Faire sa Valise de' Ride de' Rockies
- Breaking in a New Baseball Glove
- Shameless (not)Self-Promotion
trysh, Crafting April 30, 2008 3:42 pm
Fascinating! I didn’t know any of that - and to see the pictures as well as read the story (very well told!) made for a really good read!
Thanks for sharing that!
Ammey April 30, 2008 5:02 pm
Great info and beautiful photos too. The lime rock looks alot like the hoo doos in Utah (Zion & Bryce). It really does make you wonder what the kids did for play? How many people fell? I am happy I only have 3 steps to get in my home!
Must have been nice to visit ;0)
Joeprah, Dads April 30, 2008 11:51 pm
Old Hat. Next! Just kidding, that is awesome to know. A very cool piece and pictorial to go with it. I wonder how much rent is there?
RealWorldMom, Moms May 1, 2008 8:11 am
Beautiful photos! And such interesting information! Thank you for sharing!
Half-Past Kissin' Time May 1, 2008 12:39 pm
Great point. This was very interesting. Thanks.
heatherd, Photography May 5, 2008 7:27 am
Thanks everyone! The “Castle” was an interesting place to explore. I walked away with a lot more than memories of a lovely view!
Maureen, Painting/Drawing May 7, 2008 3:32 pm
Cool… never had heard or seen this before, thanks for sharing. The only other time I’ve hear of Montezuma, is for his “revenge” (luckily never experienced first hand, thank goodness…)
Lovely pics!