Monte Rey (Pueblo)

Monte Rey Pueblo is an archaeological site located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, USA. It is situated within the Jemez Mountains and is significant for its contribution to understanding the cultural development and settlement patterns of ancestral Pueblo peoples in the region.

The site dates primarily to the Coalition and Classic periods, spanning from approximately 1300 to 1600 CE. Archaeological investigations at Monte Rey Pueblo have revealed evidence of multi-story adobe structures, kivas (ceremonial chambers), and associated features indicative of a substantial and well-organized community.

The inhabitants of Monte Rey Pueblo were likely engaged in agriculture, relying on rainfall and irrigation techniques to cultivate crops such as corn, beans, and squash. They also supplemented their diet through hunting and gathering wild plants and animals. Pottery shards, stone tools, and other artifacts recovered from the site provide insights into their daily lives, social organization, and religious beliefs.

Monte Rey Pueblo is considered an important site for understanding the cultural interactions and exchanges that occurred between different Pueblo groups in the Jemez region during the pre-Hispanic period. It is often studied in conjunction with other nearby Pueblo sites to gain a broader perspective on the history and development of the ancestral Pueblo culture. Preservation efforts are ongoing to protect the site from erosion and other threats, ensuring that it remains available for future research and educational purposes.