Global Treasures: Cliff Palace

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

---

Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1110

UPC: 879061007095

---

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

An architectural and historical gem lies hidden in the Mesa Verde National Park in the state of Colorado in the USA. The dwellings that were built into the cliffs by the Anasazi Indians have given this place the name of Cliff Palace.

They were discovered in 1888 by two cowboys, who must have been amazed when they stumbled across these ancient and magnificent structures.

During the 6th century, the Anasazi settled on the Mesa Verde Plateau, where they lived in caves and simple wooden shelters. They began by building their dwellings from loam bricks until, in the latter part of the 12th century, they created their cliff dwellings.

The amazing dwellings amounted to entire villages located in the cliffs. The technical building abilities of the Anasazi Indians, although simple, were remarkable because they were able to build multi-story buildings and small towers with sun-dried loam bricks and extremely primitive tools.

Nearly 800 years have passed since the sudden and inexplicable disappearance and emigration of the Anasazi. Thankfully, their fascinating Cliff Palace dwellings in the Mesa Verde National Park have managed to survive the centuries.