Eric Skopec demonstrates that global warming did not destroy the Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Although some authors bolster their warnings with historical references, many misrepresent the archeological record. According to Dr. Skopec, “much of what popular authors say about the Ancestral Puebloans is incomplete, misleading, and just plain wrong. They get away with it because the general public knows little more than the myth that the Ancestral Puebloans mysteriously disappeared.”
In a compact book written for history buffs and vacationers, Dr. Skopec tackles two popular myths. First, he notes that the Ancestral Puebloans did not disappear. Their descendents are alive and well, and many welcome visitors to their villages and pueblos. Second, he argues that climate change had some effect on the Ancestral Puebloans but other factors were at least as important. The people had managed droughts much more severe than the early 12th century dry period and, Dr. Skopec adds, much of their land could have supported even larger populations. Their “abandonment” of Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly and other sites was an extension of their normal pattern of migration.
Dr. Skopec builds his case in the Ancestral Puebloan Primer written with his son, Christopher, and published by Lulu.Com. In eight readable chapters, the Skopecs explain who the Ancestral Puebloans were and trace their lineage to earlier Basketmaker and subsequent Pueblo peoples. They describe the origins of massive stone cities and well as survival strategies that allowed the people to prosper in the arid southwest. Important chapters summarize ways in which the Ancestral Puebloans defined communities as well as the stories told by pottery fragments, stone tools, and rock art. The final chapter explains why the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned the four corners region, how the move affected their society, and what the Spanish conquest did to newly established pueblos along the Rio Grande.
The Ancestral Puebloan Primer is a conveniently sized book that fits in camera bags, back packs and purses. It is just over 75 pages long but conveys an extraordinary amount of information. To control size and price, the Skopecs adopted two innovative strategies. First, they summarize their research in a “Note on Sources” rather than endless strings of footnotes. Second, they have placed the Note along with Acknowledgements listing experts who assisted on a dedicated web page (http://anasaziadventure.com/visitor_guides.html) Together, these strategies result in an engaging volume at least 40% smaller than might be expected with a retail price under $10.
Interested readers can order copies of The Ancestral Puebloan Primer and Dr. Skopec’s other writings at lulu.com
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Eric Skopec is a retired professor now living in the Philippines. He has studied the Ancestral Puebloans for nearly 30 years and spent 2.5 years living and working at Ancestral Puebloan sites. He volunteered with the National Park Service and guided visitors at Pipe Spring National Monument, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Online interviews can be arranged by emailing him at ewskopec@yahoo.com
Christopher Skopec is a graphic artist, designer, and photographer living in San Diego, California. Other samples of his work can be seen at http://www.chrisskopec.com/
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