Montezuma Castle

 

These ruins were built by Indians known as "Sinagua," who farmed near what is now Camp Verde, Arizona. They began building this five-story, 20-room dwelling early in the 1100s and abandoned it 300 years later. It stands 100 feet above the valley. Early settlers mistakenly assumed that it was Aztec in origin, hence the name Montezuma Castle. The guide we talked to said about 35 people lived in the castle. He has been up in the ruins, and he said that the walls are smoke covered. Can you even imagine climbing up 100 feet to get to your dwelling? Or worrying that your toddler would wander out the wrong door?