Ancient pit house village discovered in remote Gila canyon. Pit house village found unexpectedly in unvisited area of Gila Wilderness Multiple house mounds visible with rectangular structures Evidence of terracing for flood protection
An unexpected discovery in the Gila Wilderness: a pit house village estimated at 1,000+ years old, built by the Mogollon people. Multiple rectangular house mounds and flood-protection terracing were found in a protected valley. These underground pit houses were designed for natural temperature regulation, offering a rare glimpse into ancient southwestern settlement patterns.
Key Facts
- Pit house village found unexpectedly in unvisited area of Gila Wilderness
- Multiple house mounds visible with rectangular structures
- Evidence of terracing for flood protection
- Pit houses built partially underground for temperature regulation
- Village estimated to be approximately 1,000+ years old
- Mogollon people construction
- Located in protected valley accessible only through difficult terrain
Related site: Wilderness Mill House, Llay, Wrexham — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 11 Day Expedition Discovering Ruins in Uncharted New Mexico by Luke Caverns