MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (AP) - Mesa Verde National Park is taking a new look at a ruin called Mummy Lake in hopes of determining what it really was.
The area is called Far View Reservoir or Mummy Lake, and researchers don't know if ancient Puebloans used it as a reservoir, a ceremonial plaza or a ball court. A new study tries to settle the issue.
The Cortez Journal reports that archaeologists don't agree about the large circular depression lined by sandstone walls. It was built as early as 900 A.D.
Sediment buildup behind a supposed intake canal fit the reservoir profile. But archaeologist Larry Benson suspects Mummy Lake was used for community ceremonies, then abandoned due to drought in the 1200s. The park is considering adding interpretation panels at the site describing alternate theories.
(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
