Cuarenta Casas

Cuarenta Casas is a cliff-dwelling archaeological site in northern Chihuahua, built into caves in Huapoca Canyon and regarded as the southernmost expression of Mogollon influence. It developed during the height of Paquimé around 1205 to 1260 CE, with adobe, rock, and pine-beam structures featuring T-shaped doorways like those farther north. Archaeologists believe it may have served as a refuge and possible garrison protecting trade routes. Its caves preserve evidence of farming, storage, craft work, ritual activity, and burial practices. The settlement declined by about 1340 but remained inhabited around 1520, and it is now valued for linking northern Mexico to the wider Oasisamerican world.

Chihuahua · Mexico