1. Wupatki Ruin.
From this point is an excellent view of the entire ruin, including the “amphitheater” and ballcourt. At its peak of occupation, during the 1100’s, the village contained over 100 rooms with 250-300 inhabitants. It is the largest of more than 800 ruins within the boundaries of Wupatki National Monument, and was partially excavated in 1933-34 by the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the National Park Service in 1941-42 and 1952-53.
Wupatki Ruin, after excavation and some restoration in the 1930’s.
This dwelling was occupied from about A.D. 1120 to A.D. 1210 by the Sinagua (see-NAH-wah) Indians, and this region represents the northernmost limits of occupation by this prehistoric tribe. The Little Colorado River, seven miles east (11km), roughly marks the boundary between this group and another prehistoric tribe to the north, the Anasazi (ah-nah-sah-zee). Other Sinagua lived to the south in the Verde Valley.
Above is a picture of Wupatki Ruin as it appeared after excavation and partial restoration under the CWA program in the 1930’s. Since then the National Park Service has developed a policy to preserve rather than restore archeological structures. For this reason, the restored portions were removed. We believe the ruin as it appears today leaves one with a greater feeling of admiration for the prehistoric builders than it would with any added restoration.