Elaborate housing complexes built into cliffs by Native peoples in the Southwest. These dwellings provided natural protection from enemies and offered shelter in challenging environments.
Related terms
Petroglyphs: Rock carvings or drawings made by Native peoples on cliffs and cave walls.
Kivas: Underground ceremonial chambers found in some cliff dwellings where rituals were performed.
Archeology: The study of past human cultures through analysis of artifacts and structures.
"Highly defensible cliff dwellings" also found in: