Paquime

Casas Grandes (Spanish for Great Houses; also known as Paquimé) is a prehistoric archaeological site in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua [1]. Settlement began after 1130 AD [1]. The community was abandoned approximately in 1450 AD [1]. The Casas Grandes complex is situated in a broad, fertile valley along the Casas Grandes or San Miguel River, approximately 56 kilometres south of Janos and 240 kilometres northwest of the state capital, Chihuahua [1]. Evidence indicates that Paquimé possessed an intricate water management system comprising underground drain networks, reservoirs, channels for water distribution to the residences, and a sewage system [1]. After being burned about 1340, Casas Grandes was rebuilt with multi-story apartment buildings to replace the small buildings [1].