Aztec West Audio Tour: Stop #3

The third numbered stop on the Aztec West self-guided audio tour.

NPS

The trail through the Aztec West great house is 0.5 mile in length and requires about 40 minutes to complete using the audio tour. Most of the trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs, with some steps and low doorways. Wheelchairs are available at the visitor center to borrow upon request.

• Stop #3

  
  

  The third numbered stop on the Aztec West self-guided audio tour.
  Audio Transcript

  Great Kivas like this one served as the religious core of the Great House. Archeologists believe Great Kivas were public buildings used by people in the surrounding community. They may have brought together different clans for ceremonies and other functions. Great Kivas were usually in the plaza or near the great house where everyone in the community could see them. Though not all Great Kivas are identical, they share a number of common features, including large size, a central firepit, four pillars, and floor vaults. The use of the vaults is unclear. The ancient people may have laid planks of wood across the vaults to use them as foot drums.