Question

When and why do archaeologists think that Mesa inhabitants left the area?

a) Due to a severe drought in the region in the 12th century.
b) To escape conflicts with neighboring tribes.
c) The exact timing is uncertain, but they left due to a combination of environmental and social factors.
d) They never left, and the Mesa inhabitants still live in the area today.

Answer 1

Archaeologists think that the inhabitants of Mesa Verde abandoned the area due to a combination of environmental and social factors, including drought, scarcity of resources, conflicts, new peoples moving into the area, and religious turmoil. The option (C) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The exact timing of the abandonment of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde is uncertain, but archaeologists believe it was due to a combination of environmental and social factors. The region experienced severe droughts from 1276 to 1299, resulting in a scarcity of food and resources.

This may have led to conflicts among the inhabitants. Additionally, there is evidence of new peoples moving into the area and religious turmoil among the Ancient Puebloans. Some believe that the Mesa inhabitants migrated further south and joined modern Pueblo cultures such as the Hopi and Zuni. Therefore, option (C) is correct.