News Anthropology

Power may have passed via women in ancient Chaco Canyon society

Mitochondrial DNA from skeletons in elite burial room shows familial relationship spanning three centuries

Pueblo Bonito

DYNASTIC CENTER  Recovered DNA suggests that nine people buried in a huge structure called Pueblo Bonito (shown), located in northwestern New Mexico, belonged to a maternal dynasty that lasted for 330 years during the heyday of ancient Chaco society.

D. Kennett/Penn State

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

A maternal dynasty ruled one of the earliest and most mysterious civilizations in the Americas, centered in New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon, for more than three centuries, researchers say.