ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the range of social and political organizations found in the region, from large, integrated systems to dispersed populations who seem to have lived relatively isolated lives. It highlights that difference by examining the Mesa Verde, Kayenta Ancestral Pueblo, and Mimbres areas. Navajo residents of Chaco Canyon and the early archaeologists who worked there long ago knew that ancient roadways crisscrossed the canyon. Initially, archaeologists believed that too little maize could have been grown in the canyon to feed a labour force large enough to have built the great houses, irrigation systems, roads, great kivas, and other features. Between 900 and 1250 ce, during what are called the Sedentary and Early Classic periods in Hohokam development, major changes took place in the organization of Hohokam society in southern Arizona. Archaeologists infer that many rooms at early great houses might not have been used residentially, because they lack common household features such as hearths.
