In this latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the intriguing concept of the Chaco Meridian, a north-to-south alignment that traverses the southwestern United States and is marked by the monumental remains of Ancestral Puebloan power centres. This alignment has been the subject of extensive study and debate, and today, we continue this exploration with a fascinating conversation featuring Professor Stephen Lekson, a prominent figure in the field of anthropology and archaeology.
Professor Lekson, who serves as the Curator of Archaeology at the Museum of Natural History at the University of Colorado, Boulder, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the ancient Southwest. He is also a Contributing Editor for Archaeology Magazine, which underscores his influential role in contemporary archaeological discourse. Over his distinguished career, Professor Lekson has led more than 20 archaeological excavations across the monumental landscapes of the American Southwest, gaining unparalleled insights into the region's ancient cultures.
Figure 01: Episode Title Graphic.
One of his most notable works is his 1999 book, The Chaco Meridian. In this controversial and groundbreaking study, Professor Lekson proposed that the Chaco Meridian represents a deliberate north-to-south alignment, marked by a series of significant architectural and cultural sites. This alignment, according to Lekson, connects various major sites, including the renowned Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and the Casas Grandes, or Paquimé, in northern Mexico.