Chacoan Road Systems as Products of Social Organization

Abstract

The Chacoan road system is an understudied aspect of a very unique culture in New Mexico.  The extensive roads present important evidence to the social structure of the Chaco people. A few theories have been presented about the reason for the roads, such as economic, administrative and religion. This paper argues that the roads were used for military purposes, because the roads provided quick access to all satellite townships in the region.