Life at Mesa Verde: An Analysis of Health and Trauma from Wetherill Mesa, Mesa Verde National Park

A systematic analysis of bioarchaeological data from Wetherill Mesa burials at Mesa Verde National Park reveals that residents of Pueblo III cliff dwellings experienced significant physiological stress, likely due to resource scarcity, overcrowding, and unsanitary living conditions. This stress may have contributed to the depopulation of the Four Corners region during the late 13th century. Additionally, skeletal fracture data suggest a decrease in trauma during this period, though evidence of culturally mediated violence or violent attacks at Long House hints at insecurity that could have further motivated migration.

Edmonds, E. R., & Martin, D. L. (2022). Life at Mesa Verde: An Analysis of Health and Trauma from Wetherill Mesa, Mesa Verde National Park. Kiva, 88(4), 489–521. https://doi.org/10.1080/00231940.2022.2089817