Although, the site was actually the former home of the ancient Puebloans, most commonly known as the Anasazi, the Aztec Ruins National Monument has already become a common name that even if the former settlers weren?t Aztecs, the name still got stuck. It was a common mistake by early European explorers, especially since the area is quite near Mexico. Nonetheless, the site is still a stunning preservation of what once was a Pueblo society comprised of more than 500 masonry rooms.

Experts believe that the ruins date back from 11th to 13th century. The monument itself was built in 1923, and in 1987, the Aztec Ruins National Monument was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Aztec Ruins National Monument can be found inside the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.